SF Giants Players Review 2026: Jerar Encarnacion’s power never arrived

Given the number of talented outfielders the SF Giants have in their system, it's hard to imagine Jerar Encarnacion securing a roster spot. But he did back in March, mainly because he already had some major-league experience and was out of minor-league options. Luis Matos was in the same situation, but the front office opted for Encarnacion. It was his fourth MLB stint, though he never played in more than 35 games in a season. Hand, oblique, and hamstring injuries limited him to just 19 games in 2025. But his raw power enticed the Giants. So he got another shot in 2026.

A few solid outings in spring training – he batted .294 and posted a .759 OPS across 22 games – were enough to earn him a spot on the opening-day roster as a backup corner outfielder and right-handed power bat off the bench. His fourth stay in the majors would end up being the shortest one of his career.

Encarnacion didn't produce enough to stick around

Bench players under recently hired manager Tony Vitello initially didn't receive many opportunities to shine. Vitello preferred to stick with his everyday veterans. But with Casey Schmitt scratched early on, Encarnacion got a few starts at first base and as the designated hitter. The early results were encouraging. Encarnacion didn't show off his power, but instead his contact ability, collecting a hit in five consecutive games in early April. His first knock of the season came against the New York Mets on April 3, a double that would turn out to be his only extra-base hit of the season.

After that "hot" start, as he went 5-for-16 over his first six games, Encarnacion stopped producing, and his playing time became scarce. He would appear in just 11 more games and receive only 19 more plate appearances between April 8 and May 4, which would be his final day in a Giants uniform. Encarnacion collected just one hit, struck out five times, and drew one walk during that stretch. And he was done.

A player that was expected to provide power off the bench finished homerless and posted a .406 OPS across his 35 total trips to the plate. He struck out eight times – a 22.9% strikeout rate – and drew just one walk – a 2.9% walk rate. The minuscule sample size makes those numbers irrelevant, but the underlying message was clear: Encarnacion wouldn't help jumpstart an offense that needed a boost. So on May 4, the Giants designated him for assignment while promoting Bryce Eldridge and Jesus Rodriguez, who would eventually provide that much-needed offensive jolt

Returning to Sacramento and playing for the River Cats was on the table for Encarnacion after he cleared waivers. But he figured a fresh start was the best choice, so he elected free agency.

As a result of a lack of interest from major-league front offices, Encarnacion signed with the Yokohama DeNA BayStars in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) on June 12 for the remainder of 2026. Away from the pressure and expectations of the major leagues, Encarnacion found his groove again.

The 29-year-old would appear in 64 games for the BayStars, and looked like the player the Giants were hoping they would get when they sacrificed Matos for him. He batted .293 across 252 plate appearances, recorded 15 doubles, hit 11 home runs, drove in 39 runs, and posted an .815 OPS.

A promising stretch ended in another disappointment, as Encarnacion suffered a right leg injury during the postseason that would keep him off the roster for the Japan Series roster – NPB's equivalent of MLB's World Series.

Encarnacion has an option for next year and is fully expected to remain with the BayStars in 2027, according to Edwin Hernandez Jr. As for his time in the Bay, his power will be remembered; so will his inability to put it on display.

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