Indians news and notes: The Edwindians Edition

Winter sure is boring, isn’t it? The weather is cold, we all spend way too much time with way too many family members at the same time, we overindulge in a ton of great food, and to top it off, there’s nothing going on in baseball. The Winter Meetings are over, most of the top free agents are gone, the hot stove has cooled significantly, and we all just want spring to arrive sooner rather than later.

Well, last night, the Cleveland Indians broke the monotony of the frozen days of December and brought an early Christmas present to all fans of the Tribe: the signing of Edwin Encarnacion! Encarnacion was heralded as one of the top free agents of the 2016 class, and there were whispers that he may not remain in Toronto for the 2017 season. Those whispers turned into conversations, which turned into bidding wars, which turned into a signed contract that will bring the power hitting first baseman to Cleveland for the next three seasons. Happy holidays, Tribe fans!

Indians Edwin Encarnacion news

Source: Tribe, Encarnacion agree to 3-year deal | MLB

The terms of the deal are 3 years/$60 million. After that, there is a $20 million dollar club option or a $5 million dollar buyout option. So, in essence, Encarnacion is guaranteed $65 million from the Cleveland Indians.

Edwin gives Tribe best chance to win | MLB

Mike Napoli was pivotal for the 2016 Cleveland Indians; his power in the middle of the lineup provided a spark that the Tribe hadn’t seen in years. However, not willing to attempt catching lightning in a bottle twice, Cleveland has bolstered their lineup with a younger, more powerful hitter in Edwin Encarnacion.

Edwin Encarnacion should flourish in Cleveland, but what about his parrot? | MLB

I have a feeling that the parrot is going to do just fine in Cleveland.

Why Cleveland, Edwin Encarnacion are such a perfect fit | Yahoo Sports US

When you were 2 runs away from winning the World Series, you go out and you get the best power hitter on the market for the next season.

Edwin Encarnacion’s contract a good sign for Cleveland, baseball | FOX Sports

With the signing of Encarnacion, hopefully the “Dolanz R Cheep” memes can get laid to rest once and for all. The Cleveland Indians are going all in in 2017 to finish what they started in 2016.

Cleveland Indians give Edwin Encarnacion the largest contract in franchise history | Let’s Go Tribe

This looks to be more fruitful than the Nick Swisher and Michael Bourn contracts, thankfully.

Cleveland Indians fans and players react to the signing of Edwin Encarnacion | Let’s Go Tribe

Players and fans alike were ecstatic on Thursday night when it was announced that the right handed slugger would be playing in Cleveland for the next couple of years.

Cleveland Indians Sign Edwin Encarnacion | Bluebird Banter

Early on in contract negotiations, Edwin turned down a 4 year/$80 million dollar contract from the Toronto Blue Jays to then later sign a 3 year/$60 million dollar contract (with options) with the team that defeated Toronto in the ALCS.

Top Tweets for Edwin Encarnacion

And finally, if you STILL aren’t hyped for Edwin mashing in Cleveland next season, here’s a video to get you ready:

LET’S GO TRIBE!!!