Baseball Prospectus | | Eyewitness Scouting Report


	Christian Encarnacion-Strand Born: 12/01/1999 (Age: 22)
	Bats: Right	Throws: Right
	Height: 6' 0"	Weight: 224
	Primary Position: 1B
	Secondary Position: 3B

Extra-large frame, strong build with a thick lower half, physically mature.

Evaluator	Nathan Graham
Report Date	06/27/2022
Dates Seen	Multiple 2022
Affiliate	Cedar Rapids Kernels (High A, Twins)

MLB ETA	Risk Factor	OFP	Video
2024	High	55	No

Tool	Future Grade	Report
Hit	50	More than just a slugger, Encarnacion-Strand's contact ability will allow him to post decent averages at the major league level. There's above-average bat speed and barrel control allowing him to hit with authority to all fields. He commands the strike zone well but can be thrown off balance by advanced spin. There are going to be some swing and miss concerns due to the length of the swing but his solid approach should keep the strikeouts in the acceptable range.
Power	70	Easy double-plus raw power generated by physical strength and plenty of loft in the swing. He chooses his spots well, attacking in hitters counts and driving the ball to all fields. The baseball jumps off of the bat, likely to produce 25-30 home runs per year at the major league level.
Baserunning/Speed	40	Sneaky athletic accelerates quicker than you would anticipate. Produced a 4.20 on a dig home to first base clock. Likely to settle in as a below-average runner as he ages.
Glove	45	Currently getting plenty of reps at third base but is likely to move to first in the near future. Decent hands and shows good instincts but lacks the lateral range to stick at the hot corner but will play fringe-average at first.
Arm	50	Average arm strength for the left side of the diamond, accurate and throws show good carry.

Encarnacion-Strand projects as an above-average first baseman/DH whose contact and power combination make him a middle-of-the-order run producer. His defensive limitations put a ton of pressure on the bat and he's yet to prove himself against upper-level pitching. If the swing and miss don't improve he could still see time on a second-division club but there is also a positive risk that the bat clicks and he becomes an occasional All-Star.