JC Encarnacion

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Baltimore Orioles #17 prospect in 2019
  Track Record: As the Orioles get back into the international market, Encarnacion is an example of the talents they can find there. Signed for $10,000 by the Braves and acquired in the July 2018 trade for Kevin Gausman and Darren O'Day, Encarnacion has hit at every level since making his U.S. debut in 2017. He earned postseason South Atlantic League all-star honors for his efforts between low Class A Rome and Delmarva in 2018.
  
  Scouting Report: A strapping athlete with good bat speed and leverage in his righthanded swing, Encarnacion shows potential for at least an average hit tool and plus power, with a loose swing and average bat control. His approach, however, is extremely aggressive and will need to be refined significantly to allow him to reach his ceiling. He shows a plus arm at third base and is presently average there, though he could also play a corner outfield spot.
  
  The Future: Encarnacion is the type of potential impact everyday bat that the Orioles' international philosophy has made scarce in their system. He likely will go to high Class A Frederick in 2019 with an eye on shoring up his approach.
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  Ranked Atlanta Braves #24 prospect in 2018
  Encarnacion signed for a modest $10,000 bonus in 2016, but he's quickly proven to be one of the highest-ceilinged prospects in the organization thanks to a rare combination of speed, size and strength. Encarnacion played shortstop in the Dominican Summer League in 2016 and first and third base in 2017. First base is a waste of his athleticism, so he played third base exclusively after being promoted to Rookie-level Danville. He has to improve his footwork and angles on balls, but with a plus arm, excellent range and adequate hands, he could end up as at least an average third baseman. Other scouts see a rangy outfielder. Encarnacion will turn plus times from home to first and has some of the best raw power in the organization. He'll have to get more selective, because he has a swing-at-everything approach right now. His strength and bat-to-ball skills have made him a career .298 hitter. If Encarnacion heads to full-season ball in 2018, expect some initial struggles, but he has the tools to be worth plenty of patience.