Blue Jays have Edwin Encarnacion to thank for Nate Pearson

The Toronto Blue Jays have former slugger Edwin Encarnacion to thank for the team landing pitcher Nate Pearson in the 2017 amateur draft.

Ok, so maybe he is indirectly responsible but responsible nonetheless or at least for the purpose of this article. At the conclusion of the 2016 campaign, Edwin Encarnacion exercised his right to test free agency in hopes of landing a large multi-year pact.

There was debate back and forth whether or not Encarnacion would remain in Toronto as he had gone on record proclaiming his love for the city and intentions of staying put, However, throughout the process, Edwin became a little greedy and reportedly turned down a 4-year offer in the neighborhood of $80 million dollars from Toronto.

The brain trust made their best offer and then moved on from the slugger shortly thereafter when Encarnacion balked at the offer. The Blue Jays signed Kendrys Morales to a 3-year, $33 million dollar contract to replace Encarnacion and the rest is history.

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The parrot totting, fan favourite would sign with the Cleveland Indians for less than the Blue Jays initial offer agreeing on a 3-year, $60 million dollar deal. As a result of the signing, the team landed a compensatory draft pick from the Indians in exchange for them signing a player who had turned down a qualifying offer.

And with the draft selection……drum roll please……the Toronto Blue Jays drafted future ace, Nate Pearson, with the 28th pick in the first round of the 2017 amateur draft. The Jays had already selected Logan Warmoth with their 22nd overall selection.

So as we sit here today anxiously awaiting the arrival of Pearson to anchor the rotation for years to come, just think, If Encarnacion had resigned as we all had wanted him to do at the time, there would be no Nate Pearson.

As we all know, hindsight is 20/20, however, from the bottom of my heart, thank you, Eddie, for not jumping on the Jays more than generous offer. In Nate we trust.