Red Sox Targets 2016: Edwin Encarnacion is the ‘Perfect Replacement’
The Boston Red Sox will have the challenge of replacing the bat and leadership of David Ortiz this offseason.
While the answer may already be on the team, the Boston Red Sox will be looking in other places to try to replace the bat and heart of David Ortiz. There may be no one out there who could fill his shoes completely, but one name does came coming up. That is free agent Edwin Encarnacion.
And the feeling is mutual. Not only does the slugger love playing in Boston, he has also received an endorsement from the man himself. Following the All-Star Game, Ortiz called Encarnacion “a perfect replacement.” In fact, Encarnacion’s agent, Paul Kinzer, echoed his interest as recently as Monday.
"“It definitely intrigued him,” Kinzer told WEEI.com at the general managers’ meeting. “He and David are close, and that meant a lot to him when David did that.”"
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At 33 years old, Encarnacion is a player who is capable of playing well into his late 30’s and even 40 like Ortiz. He has the power, works hard and has already put up bigger numbers at Fenway park than Pablo Sandoval. All kidding aside, his four home runs in his 10 games at Fenway in 2016 is enough to fantasize about the type of numbers he could put up playing in 81 games.
"“He loves Boston,” Kinzer continued. “You look at his highlights from last year, I think five of his home runs were hit there. He loves to hit there. The atmosphere … That’s always one of his favorite road games.”"
It sounds like the president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski can sway Encarnacion to Boston if he wants to, but it may take more than the one or two year-commitment he is willing to make towards an Ortiz replacement.
As Kinzer hinted, it may take a five-year commitment worth $125 million. But, if he really loves the thought of playing in Boston and the Red Sox love him, maybe they will meet in the middle as far as the length of the contract goes. Encarnacion is the perfect DH, but can also still play the field at his age. Those two factors may be worth Dombrowski extending what he wants to commit.
In his first couple years, he could at least play first base. The only question would be what to do with Hanley Ramirez and Sandoval?
Next: Red Sox Legend David Ortiz Left Off Of MVP Ballot
When you have the chance to bring in a player who hit 42 home runs and knocked in 127 RBI, you find a way to figure it out…right Dombrowski?