White Sox sign slugger Edwin Encarnacion

Edwin Encarnacion (Google Images)

The Chicago White Sox officially signed Edwin Encarnacion of La Romana, Dominican Republic on Thursday. Encarnacion, signed a one year contract worth $12 million. Chicago has the option to bring back Encarnacion for another season.

Last season Encarnacion shared his time with the Seattle Mariners and New York Yankees. He batted .244 with 34 home runs and 86 runs batted in. During his 109 games he had 418 at bats. In his 486 plate appearances, Encarnacion scored 81 runs, collected 102 hits, 18 doubles, 58 walks, a .344 on base percentage, .531 slugging percentage, 222 total bases and three sacrifice flies.

Encarnacion is now joining his sixth Major League Baseball team. In addition to the Mariners and Yankees, he has played with the Cincinnati Reds, Toronto Blue Jays and Cleveland Indians.

Throughout his Major League Baseball career, Encarnacion has become extremely popular in Canada. While with the Blue Jays, Encarnacion was a three-time all-star in 2013, 2014 and 2016. During the 2016 regular season, Encarnacion led the American League with 127 runs batted in.

Encarnacion is also very popular because he has played in the playoffs in each of the last five seasons. He reached the American League Championship Series in back-to-back seasons with the Blue Jays in 2015 and 2016, and also played postseason baseball with the Indians in 2017 and 2018, along with the Yankees in 2019. Despite playing in 34 postseason games, Encarnacion is only batting .220 with four home runs and 16 runs batted in however.

At 37 years of age, it is not surprising Encarnacion decided to remain in the American League. At this point of his career, he is best suited for designated hitter. Expect Jose Abreu to remain the White Sox everyday first baseman, with Encarnacion coming in to play first base when Abreu needs rest.