The Washington Nationals won the World Series which means the offseason is officially here. It’s the one sport that there really is no downtime. The calendar of events starts right away. Any player or team that has the right to exercise an opt-out clause has 5 days after the World Series to do so. Brian Cashman is dumb mad and didn’t waste any time getting the ball rolling. It took Brian Cashman just 12 hours for him to say no thanks to the Edwin Encarnacion Team Option.
This is so funny. The reporters didn’t even have time to sniff around to see what the Yankees might do. Brian Cashman is so mad (He has no one to blame but himself) from his team’s early playoff exit that he couldn’t wait decline the Edwin Encarnacion player option. New York declined the option worth $20 million. Instead, they will pay Edwin a $5 million buyout clause. Brian Cashman is so angry that he couldn’t wait another second and gave the Parrot $5 million to go away. It’s impossible not to laugh at the Yankees’ misery.
Encarnacion, 37, didn’t have a great playoff run. That probably led to the option being declined. Encarnacion went 1-18 this postseason with 11 punchouts and no RBI’s. However, Edwing was still fairly productive in the regular season. His batting line of .244/.344/.531 with 34 home runs and OPS+ 132 is respectable.
Trying to predict the Parrot’s next home could get interesting. Take away the NL because they have no DH. I know, it’s stupid. Then take out the Yankees, Astros, A’s, Twins, Rangers, and Indians who all have other DH options. Maybe the Red Sox if JD Martinez opts out. But take them out if he opts in. Take out the tanking teams that don’t want to take at bats away from younger players that includes the Tigers, Orioles, and Royals. Probably can also scratch the Rays and Mariners who traded him last year. You’re left with the Blue Jays and White Sox. Possibly the Red Sox. Maybe a reunion with Toronto makes the most sense.
Giancarlo Stanton probably forced the Yankees hand here. They’re stuck with that bum. Getting him off the field is the thing that makes the most sense. They don’t need Edwin if they plug Stanton in as full time DH. New York also has Luke Voit, Greg Bird, and Mike Ford as first base options.
