Toronto Blue Jays: Will Edwin Encarnacion Replace David Ortiz in Boston?
By Paul Taylor
With David Ortiz set to retire at the end of this season, he has targeted Toronto Blue Jays slugger Edwin Encarnacion as his ideal replacement in Boston.
Due to the Toronto Blue Jays inability to negotiate a deal with Edwin Encarnacion before his self-imposed deadline, fans are understandably worried about his future after this season. Now, you have to wonder if David Ortiz is about to give them more reason to be concerned.
The Boston Red Sox slugger is set to retire a the end of this year and he was asked if he would like Encarnacion to replace him. Speaking to Rob Bradford of weei.com and the rest of the media, Ortiz said: “Hell, yeah. He’s a perfect replacement…because of everything, but mostly because he can hit.”
Certainly, the Red Sox will be one of the few teams able to meet any financial demands, if the two-time All-Star is unable to agree a new deal with the Blue Jays. Further, with the two Dominican Republic-born players being close, you can imagine Ortiz discussing the matter with his friend at some point, if he hasn’t done already.
More from Toronto Blue Jays
- Blue Jays avoid disaster as Kevin Gausman injury not serious
- Blue Jays interested in outfielder Andrew Benintendi
- Blue Jays hope fresh start for Sergio Romo boosts bullpen
- Blue Jays need to have a break from Yusei Kikuchi
- Blue Jays: Nate Pearson suffers yet another setback
Of course, this is all theory right now, with no indication the Red Sox would even be interested, along with Encarnacion stating his preference to remain in Toronto. He was asked about the prospect of replacing Ortiz in Boston, but remained diplomatic: “I don’t know what I can say about that.”
The 33-year old then subtly redirected the conversation back to the nine-time All Star: “I just can say that the career that David has had in Boston is unbelievable and something everybody is going to remember about him.
“He’s had an amazing career. He looks like he’s ready, too, this year. I’m happy for him.”
One thing we do know the two friends talk about, is being a designated hitter. Encarnacion knows he will eventually stop playing first base and has spoken to Ortiz about adjusting to life as just a hitter.
Encarnacion said: “I talked to him about DH’ing and I asked him what he does after he hits.
“He said you just have to go inside the room, watch the game, watch the pitcher and don’t be swinging too much in the cage because you’re going to get tired. Just get loose and get ready to go.”
Despite the former ninth round draft pick’s last deal with the Blue Jays being negotiated during the 2012 season, he is adamant the same won’t happen this time: “That’s why I told them I didn’t want to talk any more when the season started – I wanted to concentrate 100 percent, and I didn’t want any distractions talking about the contract.
Encarnacion finished by saying: “I wanted to enjoy my season and see what happens.” Whether we like it or not, it is this decision which has opened the door for the Red Sox to potentially make their move at the conclusion of this season.
Next: Top 10 moments in Blue Jays history
We know the Red Sox have the finances to afford Encarnacion, but how likely is a move to Boston? Also, with the Blue Jays only offering two years at this stage, would the Red Sox be prepared to agree the four which he wants? Let us know in the comments section below.