It’s funny how differently things can look with the benefit of hindsight, and that’s exactly the way I’ve been feeling about Edwin Encarnacion‘s departure from the Blue Jays in free agency three years ago. At the time it was a gut-wrenching loss for the fan base, as Encarnacion was still a productive player and the club had just come off of back to back postseason appearances.
However, with the benefit of that hindsight, I’m really glad the Cleveland Indians ultimately signed him that winter. Why do I say that? Well, because the Blue Jays wouldn’t have Nate Pearson otherwise, and he has a chance to be the best homegrown pitcher this organization has ever produced.