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Seattle Mariners 2019 Position Preview: First Basemen

By Ty Gonzalez

PEORIA, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 18: Edwin Encarnacion #10 of the Seattle Mariners poses for a portrait during photo day at Peoria Stadium on February 18, 2019 in Peoria, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PEORIA, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 18: Edwin Encarnacion #10 of the Seattle Mariners poses for a portrait during photo day at Peoria Stadium on February 18, 2019 in Peoria, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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EDWIN ENCARNACIÓN

CLEVELAND, OH – JULY 14: Edwin Encarnacion #10 of the Cleveland Indians stands at first base against the New York Yankees in the fourth inning at Progressive Field on July 14, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Yankees defeated the Indians 5-4. (Photo by David Maxwell/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – JULY 14: Edwin Encarnacion #10 of the Cleveland Indians stands at first base against the New York Yankees in the fourth inning at Progressive Field on July 14, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Yankees defeated the Indians 5-4. (Photo by David Maxwell/Getty Images) /

It’s still hard to fully buy into Edwin Encarnación being a Mariner by March 20, but in the event he makes it that long, it’ll be a fun sight to see. His presence on the roster also creates a bit more of logjam, however, as the Dominican-born slugger gives the Mariners slightly more flexibility than Nelson Cruz did. Translation: not a whole lot.

At 36-years-old, Encarnación is primarily a designated hitter. On occasion, he’ll grab his glove and play first base, but has only done so 56 times over the last two seasons. To be fair, there wasn’t as much of a need for Encarnación to play first base in Cleveland than there was in Toronto, but sending him out on the field on a consistent basis would not be the wisest choice.

Teams are starting to distance themselves from full-time designated hitters, as it limits the flexibility in roster decisions and lineup construction. This is especially restrictive on a Mariners team that will try to manufacture as many opportunities as they can for several of their young position players this season.

If Encarnación stays, don’t expect it to be for long. Multiple teams have inquired about a potential transaction, but the Mariners will be diligent in finding the right deal that deservedly gives them a solid prospect and some salary relief.

For now, enjoy it because Edwin Encarnación is a Mariner and that’s pretty damn cool.

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