Yankees Reject Edwin Encarnacion’s $20 Million Option

Edwin Encarnacion (10) with Cleveland Indians in 2018. Photo by Trask Smith/CSM/Shutterstock (9686094ab)

Although the 2019 MLB season just wrapped up, New York Yankees are already looking towards 2020. The team made their first significant offseason move on Thursday when they rejected first baseman and designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion’s contract option for next season.

If the Yankees end up exercising the option, Encarnacion would be scheduled to earn $20 million in 2020. Now, however, he becomes a free agent and has an opportunity to seek a deal somewhere else.

The Yankees confirmed the decision on their official social media.

This was an expected move by the Yankees, as they acquired Encarnacion in June as a cover for the series of injuries they faced in 2019. The 36-year-old ended up playing 44 games in the regular season, having a batting average of .249 with 13 home runs and 37 RBIs.

Despite Edwin Encarnacion’s good production, Yankees have other places where they need the money. One of their glaring needs is a starting pitcher, so expect the major portion of $20 million they saved to go there.

Encarnacion, on the other hand, will likely fail to get a long term contract due to his age, but he represents a valuable addition to a contending team. He might not be signed right away, but he definitely still has a place in the league.