He’s kicked around the outfield a little bit. 'But we think there’s a lot of upside there,' he said. He hasn’t gotten an opportunity to show it regularly at the major league level just being blocked by some of the players that the Indians have had.' 'The key to this deal for us is how we feel about Yandy Diaz,' said Chaim Bloom, the Rays’ senior vice-president of baseball operations. The Cuban led the Triple-A International League in on-base percentage. Highly regarded at 27, his opportunities were limited with the Indians because they already had a talented infield.ĭiaz hit. 283 with 28 RBIs in 88 games for Cleveland in the last two seasons.

Tampa Bay was eager to get Yandy Diaz, who hit. 'By adding another draft pick for 2019, we have another opportunity to add to the talent in our minor league system,' Dipoto said in a statement. The Mariners, who recently traded star second baseman Robinson Cano and closer Edwin Diaz, said getting that choice was key to them making the deal. Seattle gets a competitive balance round B draft pick, currently projected at 77th overall. 'And beyond that it adds some payroll flexibility for us in 2019.'

'Both Carlos and Jake are productive major league players that not only will contribute but enhance the versatility of our roster,' Antonetti said. He leads the majors in homers and RBIs since 2012, and could provide the power lost when DH Nelson Cruz became a free agent.Ī month before he turns 36, Encarnacion is guaranteed $25 million: $20 million next season and a $5 million buyout of a $25 million club option for 2020. He’s signed for 2019 with an option for 2020 - with the additions of Santana and Bauers, perhaps Alonso could end up in a trade along with one of Cleveland’s star pitchers.Įncarnacion had 107 RBIs while hitting 32 homers and. Yonder Alonso hit 23 homers with 83 RBIs last season as the Indians’ first baseman. He is owed $17 million next season and $17.5 million in 2020, part of a deal that includes a $17.5 million team option for 2021 with a $500,000 buyout. 229 with 24 home runs and 86 RBIs while walking 110 times as the Phillies’ first baseman. We know all of the things that he brings to a team into a clubhouse, so that does help,' Antonetti said. Seattle quickly parted with Santana, who was appreciated by Indians rooters even more after he left. Philadelphia sent Santana to the rebuilding Mariners this month in a trade that included All-Star shortstop Jean Segura. The 32-year-old Santana, known for his power and ability to draw walks, spent the first eight seasons of his career in Cleveland before signing a $60 million, three-year deal with Philadelphia last winter. 'Not sure how to feel,' Indians star Jose Ramirez tweeted. Instead, they jettisoned Encarnacion - the designated hitter has averaged 108 RBIs over the last seven seasons - and brought back the popular Santana.

'We’ll see how it goes with Edwin, whether he stays with us or he moves on to another destination,' Seattle assistant general manager Justin Hollander said.Ĭoming off their third straight AL Central, the Indians had been expected to make a move at the meetings, presumably with ace Corey Kluber or pitcher Trevor Bauer. Dipoto felt ill a day earlier and was checked 'out of an abundance of caution,' the team said. 'I called Edwin earlier this morning before we had final sign-off because again I wanted him to hear from me,' Antonetti said after landing, adding he was in midflight when he finally reached Diaz.ĭipoto made likely the first winter meetings deal from a medical facility since then Jim Hendry’s agreement with pitcher Ted Lilly in 2007 when the then-Chicago Cubs general manager was taken for angioplasty in 2006. Tampa Bay will send $5 million to Seattle and the Mariners will pay $6 million to Cleveland. The Indians also acquired first baseman Jake Bauers from Tampa Bay, while the busy Mariners wound up with a draft pick. The Rays got infielder Yandy Diaz and minor league right-hander Cole Sulser from Cleveland. The star hitters were dealt for each other Thursday, part of a three-team trade that also involved Tampa Bay. Edwin Encarnacion is headed to Seattle - no telling how long he’ll stick there. Carlos Santana was sent back to Cleveland, where he was an Indians fan favourite. They managed to complete the swap as the winter meetings came to an end.

Edwin encarnacion trade reds