Edwin Encarnacion will walk into Rogers Centre as a member of the visiting side for the first time in his career when the Cleveland Indians and Toronto Blue Jays open a three-game series on Monday.
The three-time All-Star arrives parrot in toe, and says he's excited to play in the city where he spent eight seasons and not only transformed his own career, but the Blue Jays' fortunes, too.
"I can't wait for the game Monday," Encarnacion told Paul Hoynes of Cleveland.com.
"The fans used to like me there, but I don't know. We'll have to wait and see. I'll be ready for anything."
Encarnacion ranks third on the Blue Jays' all-time list in home runs, sixth in RBIs, 10th in doubles, 11th in hits, and 12th in games played. His extra-innings walk-off home run in last year's wild-card game ranks as one of the biggest moments in franchise history.
(Photo courtesy: Action Images)
While the fan base loved him, the marriage between the Blue Jays and Encarnacion ended this winter, as mismanaged contract negotiations led to the slugger inking a three-year, $60-million deal with the reigning American League champion Indians - the same club that knocked Toronto out of the postseason in 2016.
Now, several months into his new life in a new city, Encarnacion says he's happy in Cleveland and hopes he can bring the same type of success to the Forest City that he experienced in Toronto.
"I think it was the decision I needed to make because it was the best for me," Encarnacion said. "My goal is to play this game for a few more years and try to win the World Series. It was a baseball decision for me.
"It was tough to leave. I’d been there for a long time, but it’s a business."
