ENCARNACION ENDS UP WITH THE YANKEES
The New York Yankees acquired designated hitter/first baseman Edwin Encarnacion and cash from the Seattle Mariners for pitcher Juan Then.
What does it give the New York Yankees
In Encarnacion, the Yankees land another slugger for their loaded (albeit still somewhat injured) lineup. The veteran right-handed batter, who currently leads the American League with 21 home runs, will probably serve mostly as a DH in the Bronx. He may also occasionally spell Luke Voit at first base. Giancarlo Stanton, who was New York's primary DH last season, is expected to play mostly left field when he returns from his biceps injury. The Yankees also received some cash to help pay Encarnacion's remaining salary.
What does it give the Seattle Mariners
The Mariners decided to dump their veteran designated hitter/first baseman mostly because they are mired in last place in the American League West division this season. They also sent cash to help pay for his salary, but in return were able to secure Then (a 19-year-old right-hander with a lot of promise). With Encarnacion now in the Bronx, the Mariners will move forward with Daniel Vogelbach, Tim Beckham and Ryon Healy (currently injured) filling the first base and DH positions for the rest of the 2019 campaign. Seattle may not be finished either, in terms of selling off contracts this year.
Fantasy impact
Encarnacion should benefit from New York's strong, powerful lineup but he was already having a very good campaign in Seattle. Therefore, Encarnacion's fantasy stock should remain the same after this deal. The biggest loser after this trade is clearly Brett Gardner, who could lose the Yankees' starting left field job to Giancarlo Stanton when the latter returns from injury (because Encarnacion will be used mostly as a DH).
