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The Houston Astros reportedly just missed out on Yoenis Cespedes, and have now turned their focus to another slugger — Edwin Encarnacion.
Source confirms: #Astros made big run at Cespedes, as @Buster_ESPN said. Encarnacion as 1B/DH also would fit. Gurriel could be 1B/DH/LF.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) November 29, 2016
Just heard the #Astros are still a potential option for Edwin Encarnacion. https://t.co/nLU778APPT
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) November 29, 2016
Encarnacion, 33, batted .263 (158x601) with 42 home runs, 127 RBIs, and 133 OPS+. The Astros have already made moves to upgrade the outfield (Josh Reddick) and catcher (Brian McCann), but adding Encarnacion would be a major shift for Houston.
Houston have the type of players required to acquire a Chris Sale or Chris Archer and will have a playoff-caliber lineup. That will require more then likely the Astros trading either Alex Bregman or George Springer to get said aces. But having Encarnacion would lessen the blow.
Or the Astros can roll with this lineup:
IF HOU signed Encarnacion, possible lineup: Springer, Reddick, Altuve, Encarnacion, Correa, Bregman, McCann, Gattis, Gurriel,
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) November 29, 2016
The biggest question surrounding Encarnacion is the number of years attached to any deal. Will a team be willing to go to four or more years on the 33-year old slugger? Will the Astros open up their wallet?