When Cincinnati designated Christian Encarnacion-Strand for assignment last week, the Twins were reminded of when they acquired Tyler Mahle from the Reds for Encarnacion-Strand, Spencer Steer and Steve Hajjar in Aug. 2022.
After being DFA'd by Cincinnati last week, Encarnacion-Strand, a primary first baseman who can also play third base, was traded to the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for cash considerations, both clubs announced on Monday. The Orioles optioned the corner infielder to Triple-A Norfolk and cleared a 40-man roster spot for him by transferring right-handed pitcher Yaramil Hiraldo to the 60-day injured list.
Encarnacion-Strand, whom MLB Pipeline ranked as Minnesota's 29th-best prospect in 2022, began the season with Triple-A Louisville, hitting .222/.275/.472 across 10 games before being designated for assignment to make room for catcher P.J. Higgins on the Reds' 40-man roster.
While the Mahle trade had seemed awful for the Twins over the past few years, Encarnacion-Strand being designated for assignment and Steer experiencing extreme regression after a strong 2023 season make the deal appear less bad for Minnesota.
Still, the Reds undoubtedly got more value from the trade, as Mahle made just nine starts across two seasons with Minnesota due to injuries. Given Mahle's lack of production with the Twins, the trade is still a painful one. Minnesota expected Mahle to play a big part in its starting rotation. If he had remained healthy, it's possible the Twins could've made the playoffs in 2022 and had a deeper run in 2023.
What will Encarnacion-Strand's role with Baltimore be?
Acquiring Encarnacion-Strand, who hit .199/.227/.337 in the majors in the last two years after slashing .270/.328/.477 in 63 games in his rookie season (2023), gives Baltimore much-needed offensive insurance. Catcher Adley Rutschman, first baseman Ryan Mountcastle and outfielder Tyler O'Neill all landed on the IL in the past few days.
Baltimore is set at first base with New York Mets all-time home run leader Pete Alonso. But now, Samuel Basallo, who has often served as the designated hitter, will be the primary catcher in Rutschman's absence. Losing O'Neill and Mountcastle also gives Baltimore fewer offensive options.
For now, Encarnacion-Strand should be a regular in Triple-A Norfolk's lineup. But if the Orioles suffer another offensive injury, the team may recall the former Red.
Minnesota could have considered acquiring Encarnacion-Strand after the Reds DFA'd him. However, reuniting with their former top prospect probably wouldn't have been in the Twins' best interest. Josh Bell, Victor Caratini and Kody Clemens are probably better options to play first, and there are plenty of position prospects in the minors with higher upside.
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