The Orioles have acquired first baseman Christian Encarnacion-Strand from the Reds, according to announcements from both clubs. Cincinnati, who designated him for assignment last week, gets cash considerations in return. Baltimore optioned him to Triple-A Norfolk. To open a 40-man spot for him, the Orioles transferred right-hander Yaramil Hiraldo to the 60-day injured list. The O’s also selected Weston Wilson and put Ryan Mountcastle on the 60-day injured list, moves that were previously covered in this post.
Encarnacion-Strand, 26, put up big numbers on his way up the minor league ladder and had an exciting big league debut a few years ago. The Reds, who acquired him from the Twins in the 2022 Tyler Mahle trade, called him up in July of 2023. In his first 63 games, he hit 13 home runs and slashed .270/.328/.477 for a 113 wRC+. That was buoyed by a .336 batting average on balls in play but was encouraging nonetheless.
It was hoped that he could be a long-term staple of the lineup in Cincinnati but that didn’t come to pass. He struggled early in 2024 and underwent season-ending wrist surgery in June. He was back on the field in 2025 but struggled badly and got optioned to the minors. His performance on the farm was decent but not overwhelming.
Over the past two years, Encarnacion-Strand got pushed down the depth chart. He has primarily been a first baseman, with a decent amount of time at third as well. The Reds got Ke’Bryan Hayes at last year’s deadline to cover the hot corner and Sal Stewart has taken over at the other corner.
Encarnacion-Strand clearly has power but his stock is down. Over the past two years, he has a combined line of .199/.227/.337 in the majors. In Triple-A last year, he hit 11 home runs in 62 games but his 6.7% walk rate and 24.6% strikeout rate were both worse than average. His .245/.310/.493 line translated to a 107 wRC+, above average offense on the whole but not overpowering, especially for a guy whose main position is first base.
That got him squeezed off the roster in Cincinnati but Baltimore will take a shot on him. He still has options, so he can be kept in the minors for the foreseeable future. Not so long ago, the O’s didn’t have much need for more first base depth. They have Pete Alonso in there and also had Ryan Mountcastle on the roster. The designated hitter spot was often being used for Samuel Basallo, who was sharing catching duties with Adley Rutschman.
Suddenly, the path is clearer. Rutschman, Mountcastle and Tyler O’Neill all hit the IL in the past few days. That subtracts some depth on the offensive side and also means Basallo is catching more regularly, freeing up some at-bats in the DH spot. If another injury pops up, perhaps Encarnacion-Strand will be recalled. For now, he should be slated for regular at-bats with Norfolk.
As for Hiraldo, he hit the 15-day IL just over a week ago due to inflammation in his throwing shoulder. His current status is unknown but this move makes him ineligible to return until early June, so the O’s evidently don’t expect him back before then.
Photo courtesy of Paul Rutherford, Imagn Images
Why do they feel the need to keep glutting 1B/DH
Why not?
Depth is depth. Also trade bait perhaps.
I wanted Boston to take a flyer on him as I’ve been hearing ever since he first was signed what a great “kid” he was as he lived at the time with a relative in AZ. Hopefully, he’ll start to produce as his potential remains. He’s just not a kid any longer.
It might click for him to where he has a couple of solid seasons before falling off again. Here’s hoping.
Mountcastle just went onto the 60 day IL. Worth a shot to take a chance on a 30-40 HR potential 1B. 🤷♂️
Christian is a 30-40 HR ceiling guy? Maybe Edwin but not Christian by any metric I’ve seen.
He’s hit 32 HR in one season in the minors before and in 468 MLB at bats he has 21 HR. He’s still only 26 and if he figures things out he could potentially be that 30-40 HR guy. The question is can he keep his K% down enough and can he actually learn how to play 1B enough to be in the lineup every day. Remains to be seen but he’s worth a shot for a team that always desperately needs depth at 3B and 1B.
CES has 70 grade raw power. His approach and chase rate are his issues. You don’t get a high probability 30-40 hr guy for cash but he does possess the pop to do so. He’s a project for the coaching staff.
We need warm bodies in Norfolk with a chance of contributing so it makes sense.
thx @44 and @sedona,
O’Hearn certainly looked lost in KC before Elias brought him to Baltimore and he’s still proving his value in PIT this year. (what a likeable guy) Love to see the Orioles help him with us pitch recognition and selection.
@MacGromit
Reds fans were told this by the man who made the trade that brought him to Cincinnati. They still believe him I guess.
You have to hit balls (usually in the strike zone) to get 30-40 HR. He doesn’t make good contact and gives pitchers no reason to pitch in the zone because he chases everything.
He’s 26 years old and blocked by numerous players in Cincy. It’s not like the Orioles gave up anyone of note. Take a chance. Why not?
Leg it go, Cinc. He can’t hurt you anymore.
Heck a 199 batting average would be better than some of the reds starting lineup.
Well… you’re not wrong.
Rece hinds will fix some of that i think
Yeah, Hayes has gotten off to a putrid start, but he plays an above average defense at 3B, and CES barely plays a passable 1B.
Sal Stewart has been absolutely raking to start the year at 1B, so thats a no go. Like most the of the Reds infielders, Stewart is able to play multiple positions, and he could play 3B, but I think Hayes’ defense will keep him in the line-up. Plus, I think Hayes will do better at the plate. Heck, there’s only one way to go, and there’s pretty much no way he could do any worse.
Even if he can get to a low to mid .230-.240 Hayes’ defense will likely keep him in the line-up.
With no PT available, they could’ve used CES off the bench, but he seems to have e run his course in Cincy and Cincy and CES are both better off if they aren’t going to use him.
“And there’s pretty much no way he could do any worse”. Candelario and Moose would like a word lol. You’re right, he might turn it around and stick around. But I don’t see how he’s anything but a defensive replacement with Suarez, Steer, and Sal on the roster.
Putrid?..thats an understatement..hes batting .076 unless hes brooks Robinson there on defense hes hurting the team…in fact he might just be the worst hitter in all mlb ..stats wise im sure he is close
Exactly why I think Ben Cherington cast some kind of spell on the CIN front office to agree to take Hayes and his contract off their hands. Pirate fans loved the move because they were resigned to Hayes being there forever with his banjo bat.
Yep pure voodoo. Doesn’t matter that the player the Bucs got in return is apparently a dud. Shedding Hayes’ salary allowed the Griffin extension. The frustration is that Hayes looks like a hitter – has a good swing and hits it hard – but nearly always on the ground. His back issues just seem to prevent elevating his swing. Not our worry anymore – good luck.
Why can’t the Reds acquire a player instead of always cash considerations? If CES turns it around at Baltimore AAA, then that tells me something wrong with the Reds coaching staff and the whole organization needs to be examined.
What player could the Reds possibly get in exchange for CES that even has a remote chance of making the major leagues? Clearly none if the Reds decided to part with him for cash.
Sometimes it is the player not the player development team. For all the organization’s faults, they have produced some good players, though the use of them can be questioned at times, particularly position players.
Didn’t you hear, the Castellini’s are broke – they need money to buy their own produce.
Not a bad guy to put in AAA and see what happens. For cash considerations, that’s a nice price for Baltimore.
Change of scenery can’t hurt. Could be the next Ryan O’Hearn
The lessons from the 2025 Orioles being executed.
Not gonna be out depth-ed by anyone!, lol
The orioles clearly have a type
All your first base are belong to us.
No one can sell low like the Reds.
Ever since they signed Alonso, Montcastle was considered a bad fit. No place to play, but stuck because they signed him. Yet the moment he gets injured, they acquire virtually the same player to replace him. Just amazing!
O’Neill is also out. Mounty and O’Neill are the 2 options to fill the RH side of the DH platoon.
CES was also optioned to AAA. Stick to the Tigers
Seems similar to Jhonkensy Noel. As noted above… It doesn’t appear the O’s are going to be short on depth.
@wafer, I hope you’re right and the O’s don’t run short.
they seem to break’em pretty fast. everyone seems to note the Jays’ IL but the Orioles’ IL pretty danged awful.
Noel has been absolutely awful in AAA though. Even CES’ lousy numbers are leaps and bounds better.