Edwin Encarnación, Dominican baseball player

Edwin Encarnación: A Power Hitting Legacy in Major League Baseball

Edwin Elpidio Encarnación, born on January 7, 1983, in La Romana, Dominican Republic, is a highly esteemed professional baseball player recognized primarily for his formidable power as a designated hitter (DH) and his capabilities as a first baseman (1B). He is currently a free agent, signifying he is not under contract with any Major League Baseball (MLB) team and remains available to sign with any club.

An Extensive MLB Journey Across Six Franchises

Encarnación's distinguished Major League Baseball career spanned from his debut in 2005 through the 2020 season, showcasing his talents and leaving a significant impact with multiple franchises:

• Cincinnati Reds (2005-2009): He began his MLB journey with the Reds, initially playing primarily as a third baseman before transitioning to his later more familiar roles.
• Toronto Blue Jays (2009-2016): This period marked his transformation into an elite power hitter and a cornerstone of the Blue Jays' potent offensive lineup. During his time in Toronto, he led the American League with 127 RBIs in 2015, consistently delivering immense offensive production.
• Cleveland Indians (2017-2018): Encarnación continued his remarkable consistency in Cleveland, contributing his powerful bat and helping the team secure playoff appearances.
• Seattle Mariners (2019): He had a productive, though brief, stint with the Mariners early in the 2019 season.
• New York Yankees (2019): Later in 2019, he joined the New York Yankees, adding veteran presence and powerful hitting to a contending team.
• Chicago White Sox (2020): He concluded his illustrious playing career with the White Sox during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season.

A Three-Time All-Star and Consistent Power Hitter

A testament to his consistent offensive prowess and impact, Edwin Encarnación was selected to the MLB All-Star Game three times during his career: in 2013, 2014, and 2016. These accolades primarily occurred during his dominant tenure with the Toronto Blue Jays, where he regularly hit 30+ home runs and drove in over 100 runs. By the end of his career, Encarnación accumulated an impressive 424 career home runs and over 1,200 runs batted in (RBIs), placing him among the all-time leaders in these statistical categories, especially for Dominican-born players. He was also widely recognized for his distinctive "Parrot Walk" celebration after hitting a home run, a memorable and unique quirk that endeared him to baseball fans worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions About Edwin Encarnación

What position did Edwin Encarnación primarily play in MLB?

Edwin Encarnación was primarily a designated hitter (DH) and a first baseman (1B) throughout most of his Major League Baseball career. He also played third base during his earlier years.

How many times was Edwin Encarnación an MLB All-Star?

Edwin Encarnación was selected as an MLB All-Star three times, earning the honor in 2013, 2014, and 2016.

Which MLB teams did Edwin Encarnación play for during his career?

Edwin Encarnación played for six different MLB teams: the Cincinnati Reds, Toronto Blue Jays, Cleveland Indians, Seattle Mariners, New York Yankees, and Chicago White Sox.

What is Edwin Encarnación's signature home run celebration?

Edwin Encarnación is famously known for his "Parrot Walk" home run celebration. After hitting a home run, he would extend his right arm as if holding a parrot on his shoulder while rounding the bases.

What are some of Edwin Encarnación's key career achievements and statistics?

Beyond his three All-Star selections, Encarnación amassed 424 career home runs and over 1,200 RBIs, consistently ranking among the league's top power hitters during his peak years. He led the American League in RBIs in 2015 with 127.