White Sox Have Reportedly Had Recent Talks With Edwin Encarnacion
By Sean Facey
The Chicago White Sox, still in search of another major power presence in the middle of the order, may be closing in on a solution.
The South Siders have reportedly been in discussion with free agent designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion. They may be competing with his former team, the Toronto Blue Jays, for his services.
The White Sox had talks with Edwin Encarnacion camp at the winter meetings and since . A big bat in the DH role would put the Sox close to Twins offensive power . He can play first base as well .
— Bruce Levine (@MLBBruceLevine) December 22, 2019
If they were to sign Encarnacion, he would be the cherry on top of an offseason that has gone incredibly well for the White Sox. After signing Dallas Keuchel and Yasmani Grandal, a major power bat is really the only key hole that they need to address before the 2020 season.
Chicago ranked dead last in production from designated hitters last year. Combined, the batters they trotted out produced -3.5 fWAR and posted a paltry 64 wRC+ across 773 plate appearances.
Encarnacion is everything the White Sox could ask for and more. He has posted an OPS over .800 every season since 2012, clubbing a ridiculous 297 home runs 199 doubles during that span.
Edwin Encarnacion since 2012:
— Baseball Focus (@baseball_focus) December 22, 2019
.264/.363/.529
297 HR
850 RBI
138 OPS+
28.5 bWAR
Even as he enters into his age-37 season, he has shown no signs of slowing down.
Discussions between the two parties will be worth keeping tabs on. He could end up being the final piece Chicago needs to become contenders in the AL Central once again.