Mark Teixeira is set to retire and that will leave a big hole at first base and in the lineup, but general manager Brian Cashman has the luxury to spend millions to find the right player to fill that need and reports have already surfaced on potential replacements.
The latest from Joe Giglio of NJ.com has suggested management could look inside the AL East for the help they need with Toronto Blue Jays veteran Edwin Encarnacion the target. New York has the resources, especially with Teixeira’s contract coming off the books and this franchise has never shied away from making big moves, a dangerous combination for other teams wanting to pursue the power hitter this winter.
The 33-year-old is having another outstanding year north of the border and is second in baseball over the last five years with 193 home runs. His versatility in the lineup is another plus as he can play at first, but also DH when needed.
Encarnacion and his agent made a big decision earlier in the year when they refused a contract extension form Toronto and that move will pay big dividends this winter. Its been reported the Dominican Republic star could earn a new deal in the $20 million per season range, twice what he is making this season and the type of money that will likely be out of the price range the Jays’ will be willing to pay to keep their All Star infielder.
The veteran has flourished since arriving in Toronto and has become one of the best power hitters in the MLB. Besides his home run prowess, 547 runs driven in and 144 doubles over the last five years make him a legitimate threat at the plate in any situation and the type of player the Yankees need to win another championship.
