Toronto Blue Jays: Picking Encarnacion Over Bautista Makes More Sense
By Paul Taylor
With the Toronto Blue Jays likely unable to afford both players, Jose Bautista’s stance may have opened the way for Edwin Encarnacion to stick around after 2016.
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In an ideal world, the Toronto Blue Jays would like to have both Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion return in 2017. In fact, the preference of the players themselves, is to remain in Southern Ontario past this year.
Unfortunately for everyone concerned, this is not an ideal world, with the organization probably only able to keep one of the dynamic duo around. Ultimately, it will come down to money, with Encarnacion appearing to be more reasonable than his teammate.
According to Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun, he has been told the 33-year is likely to accept three years for under $60 million. This will apparently include a club option for a fourth year.
(Of course, there is always the possibility Simmons isn’t being 100 percent truthful, with his Phil Kessel hot dog story being a prime example. However, whatever people may think of him, there is no denying he is very well connected and established within the media industry.)
Now, compare this to the recent speculation, that Bautista wants five years and $150 million US. While the home-run slugger claims this is false, it is still feasible to conclude he is looking for considerably more money than Encarnacion.
More than a few fans have suggested (or hoped) the six-time All-Star would take a home-town discount. However, as he points out, he already did that, easily outperforming his last deal.
Interestingly, when we talk about performance, Bautista actually trails his colleague during the last four years, at least from an offensive standpoint. Encarnacion leads the way in home runs (151-130), RBIs (423-355) and batting average (.274-.261).
You could argue this is an unfair comparison, since Bautista played 49 less games during the time-frame in question, due to injuries. However, that in itself could play a key part in deciding who to keep around.
Consider that Encarnacion is two years younger and less susceptible to wear and tear, when taking into account the positions they both play (although it is duly noted Bautista keeps himself in fantastic shape and could easily move to just playing DH in his later years). Of course, projecting injuries – and productivity – is a calculated gamble, with no way of knowing for sure what the future holds.
Ultimately though, when you take all of the above into account, less money and years for a younger player just makes much more sense, while acknowledging everything Bautista has down for the team. However, if he really wants to stay in Toronto, he may want to reconsider his stance of not being prepared to negotiate his asking price, whatever it is.
Next: Blue Jays face interesting decision in left field
If you can only choose Jose Bautista or Edwin Encarnacion to return next season, who would you pick and why? Let us know in the comments section below.