Why the SF Giants should keep oft-injured slugger around in 2026

Taking a look at Jerar Encarnacion's career stats, you might be wondering what is so important about a 28-year-old depth piece, and why the SF Giants need to make sure he's back in the organization next year.

The utility outfielder and first baseman is out of options, and there is a real chance he gets let go this offseason or next spring. However, the Giants might be wise to give him one more chance at the big league roster.

SF Giants should give Jerar Encarnacion one more chance

It's understandable if they choose not to. His stats have left a lot to be desired. A bWAR of -0.1, a .626 OPS, a 76 OPS+, and a .216 batting average. Just 10 career home runs and 40 RBI in 77 games. Why should the Giants prioritize a bat like that?

The underlying numbers speak loud and clear. Encarnacion's bat-speed of 74.5 MPH would have ranked in the top 20% of the league, had he qualified, as would have his 37.5% launch-angle sweet-spot rate.

He also posted a solid 45% hard-hit rate and an average exit velocity of 90.8 MPH.

His underlying numbers were even better in 2024. His bat-speed of 77 MPH would have ranked in the top 5% of the league, and there was bright red all across his Baseball Savant page. He posted an insane 58.8% hard-hit rate, a 15% barrell rate, and an average exit velocity of 95 MPH. He had an xSLG of .501!

Those numbers, spread out over the course of a full season, would make Encarnacion one of the best power hitters in all of baseball. Even if he can't replicate those rates exactly, he still displays tremendous power and tremendous potential. It's clear when looking at the Statcast metrics.

Unfortunately, injuries really hurt Encarnacion last season. He looked strong in spring training but injured his hand and then each time he came back it seemed like another ailment would crop up right as he was getting hot.

Beyond injuries, the one thing that will make things tough is that the Giants already have a first baseman and designated hitter option in Rafael Devers. Perhaps Encarnacion could serve as the DH with devers being the everyday first baseman, but it is still an imperfect fit.

However, the Giants would be wise to give Encarnacion one more chance to breakout before cutting him loose. He feels like exactly the type of player that would be scooped up by a team like the Athletics or Marlins and hit 30 home runs with consistent playing time opportunities. The Giants should not let Encarnacion become the one that got away in 2026.