Scouting Report
Updated May 20, 2026
Jerar Encarnacion, a 28-year-old outfielder, was designated for assignment by the San Francisco Giants on May 4, 2026, after struggling significantly in his third season with the team. He cleared waivers and elected free agency on May 10, 2026. Encarnacion posted a .406 OPS in 35 plate appearances this season, well below league average. Over parts of three seasons with the Giants (2024-2026), he managed a .619 OPS with 7 home runs across limited action due to multiple injuries. Despite his poor MLB performance, he is drawing interest from several MLB teams and three NPB (Japanese) teams. Encarnacion originally signed with the Giants in 2024 after an impressive stint in the Mexican League where he hit .366 with a 1.428 OPS and 19 home runs in 107 plate appearances.
Strengths
- + Strong minor league/international track record (.366 BA, 1.428 OPS in Mexican League)
- + Young age (28) with potential for recovery
- + Drawing interest from multiple MLB and NPB teams
- + Demonstrated power potential (19 HRs in 107 PA in Mexico)
- + Right-handed hitter with upside
Weaknesses
- - Severe performance decline in MLB (.619 OPS over 3 seasons)
- - Extremely poor 2026 start (.406 OPS in 35 PA)
- - Injury-plagued tenure with Giants (hand fracture, oblique strain, hamstring strain)
- - Limited to just 19 MLB games in 2025 due to injuries
- - Significant gap between international success and MLB performance
- - Designated for assignment and unable to stick on 40-man roster
- - wRC+ of 71 (29% below league average)
About
Jerar Encarnacion is a right fielder for the San Francisco Giants.
Player Overview
RF
San Francisco Giants