By: Matt Hanifan
The New York Yankees made a splash in midst of Saturday's game versus the White Sox, acquiring slugger 1B/DH Edwin Encarnacion from the Mariners in exchange for RHP Juan Then, the Yankees No.27 prospect in their system.
Encarnacion possesses a .241/.356/.531 slash line in 65 games this season. He leads the American League in home runs (21), third in RBI's (49) and 12th in wRC+ (139). Since 2010, he leads everyone in home runs (322), RBI's (919), 11th in slugging percentage (.518) and 10th in wRC+ (135).
There is no doubt that Encarnacion adds another power bat to an already destructive lineup. But there is certainly an aspect of his game that seems to be overlooked: his plate discipline.
Not really people seem to think the improved eye of Encarnacion over his illustrious career. Among qualified batters since the beginning of 2017, the 36-year old sports a 13.5 BB%, ranking 11th best in baseball over that span.
He currently has 41 walks and features a 14.2 BB%, ranking within the top 20 among qualified hitters. His above-average O-Swing% (26.7%) ranks T-39 in bigs as well, along with Rays OF Austin Meadows.
Out of pitches definitively out of the strike zone, Encarnacion has swung at 13.3 percent of those pitches, 22nd best across the majors (minimum 350 pitches seen). The Yankees as a whole rank 8th best, swinging at 16.2 percent of those pitches.
The Bombers currently see 4.01 pitches per plate appearance, tied for fourth most in baseball (Brewers, Dodgers). Encarnacion adds to that equation averaging 4.31 pitches per plate appearance on the year, tied for 10th most among qualified hitters (Brandon Belt; Mitch Haniger).
Encarnacion also provides intriguing and great splits in clutch situations, something to keep an eye as the season progresses:
Edwin's splits (2019):
vs. RHP .243/.355/.519 (133 sOPS+)
vs LHP .233/.361/.928 (144 sOPS+)
RISP .327/.478/.653 (187 sOPS+)
Men On .320/.427/.660 (178 sOPS+)
2 outs & RISP .357/.500/.893 (262 sOPS+)
High Lvrge .324/.490/.676 (207 sOPS+)
Late & Close .258/.452/.452 (157 sOPS+) pic.twitter.com/2XKjKu8M3Z— Matt H. (@MattHanifan_) June 16, 2019
If you're a Yankee fan, there is little to reason to not be excited about this deal, especially with Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge returning this week as well.
Murderers' Row 2019: coming soon. pic.twitter.com/mB3dhbEyKQ
— MLB (@MLB) June 17, 2019
Edwin Encarnacion in Yankee Stadium since 2014:
— Matt H. (@MattHanifan_) June 16, 2019
142 PA's
.296/.373/.592 (.965 OPS)
37 H
4 2B
11 HR
29 RBI
.409 wOBA
162 wRC+
Is that good?? #PinstripePride pic.twitter.com/Xc6rln7wqV