Name: Luis Encarnacion

Position: 3B
Bats: R
Throws: R
DOB: August 9, 1997
Height: 6′ 2″
Weight: 185

Drafted: Signed as an international free agent for $1,000,000 in 2013 by the Philadelphia Phillies

Career Synopsis:

Hit:  Scouts tend to agree that Encarnacion is going to hit.  There are some flaws in the swing, but he has quick hands and a good feel for hit.  The approach needs work, but he has yet to play in real game action.  40/60

Power: Encarnacion is physically mature for a 16 year old.  He might have average raw power now and he should grow into more as he gains more control of his body.  There is not a lot of physical projection left, but it should get to plus power by the time he makes the majors.  50/60

Arm: The arm is below average now and there is not a lot of room for growth going forward. 40

Glove: Encarnacion is unlikely to stick at third base and left field might be a stretch.  He is big right now and is likely to get bigger and less athletic.  His final position is likely to be first base, but it might take a few years before he is stuck there. 40

Speed:  Encarnacion is an average runner now, but it is unlikely he keeps that speed as he gets older.  The speed could be ultimate determining factor on his defensive home and will take him keeping in great shape, to have it stick around as long as possible.  50/40

Summary:  With Encarnacion it is all about the bat.  If he has plus power and plus hit, and gets a semblance of an approach that is a major league first baseman.  There is a lot of volatility left with Encarnacion though, some think there is more power in the bat, others are more bullish on his defensive home, and other don’t think he is going to hit at all.  The Phillies love Encarnacion’s makeup and the hope is that he is going to move fast in the mold of Carlos Tocci and we will see what kind of player he is very shortly.

Videos:

Articles:

The Future is Unwritten: Luis Encarnacion – Crashburn Alley (Eric Longenhagen)