Indians unveil new slugger Encarnacion

CLEVELAND — The last time Edwin Encarnacion saw the Indians, the slugger watched as Cleveland’s players partied at Rogers Centre after beating Toronto for the American League pennant. Now, Encarnacion will suit up for the Tribe and try to help the club realize its World Series title aspirations.

On Thursday morning, the Indians officially announced that they have signed Encarnacion to a three-year contract. The slugger was unveiled at a news conference. The deal is worth $60 million guaranteed.

“Everybody knows Cleveland has one of the best teams in the AL and the best chance to win the World Series,” Encarnacion said. “I’m happy to be here.”

The Indians reached an agreement with Encarnacion on Dec. 22 on the three-year contract, which includes a $5 million buyout for a fourth-year team option worth $25 million. If the option is picked up, the first baseman’s contract has a maximum value of $80 million.

“He’s a perfect fit for our team,” Indians president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti said. “He’s established himself as one of the most productive players in baseball the last five years. He’s been remarkably consistent.”

The deal to land Encarnacion represents the largest contract given out by the Indians in terms of guaranteed dollars. Cleveland gave Travis Hafner a four-year, $57 million extension in 2007 and signed free agent Nick Swisher to a four-year, $56 million deal prior to the ’13 season.

By adding …

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