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Encarnacion takes physical to finalize $65M Indians deal

FILE - In this Oct. 7, 2016, file photo, Toronto Blue Jays' Edwin Encarnacion hits a solo home run off of Texas Rangers' Yu Darvish in the fifth inning of Game 2 of baseball's American League Division Series in Arlington, Texas. The free agent slugger is undergoing a medical evaluation, the final step before he officially signs with the Cleveland Indians. Encarnacion agreed to terms on a three-year, $65 million contract with the AL champions before Christmas. Barring any unforeseen physical issues, the deal should be finalized Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2017, and the Indians will welcome him at a news conference on Thursday. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File) FILE - In this Oct. 7, 2016, file photo, Toronto Blue Jays' Edwin Encarnacion hits a solo home run off of Texas Rangers' Yu Darvish in the fifth inning of Game 2 of baseball's American League Division Series in Arlington, Texas. The free agent slugger is undergoing a medical evaluation, the final step before he officially signs with the Cleveland Indians. Encarnacion agreed to terms on a three-year, $65 million contract with the AL champions before Christmas. Barring any unforeseen physical issues, the deal should be finalized Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2017, and the Indians will welcome him at a news conference on Thursday. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File)

By Associated Press January 4, 2017 2 min read

CLEVELAND (AP) – Edwin Encarnacion is on deck for the Indians.

The free agent slugger was undergoing a medical evaluation Wednesday, the final step before he joins Cleveland and slides into the middle of the AL champions’ lineup.

One of baseball’s most consistent power hitters, Encarnacion agreed to a $65 million, three-year contract with the Indians before Christmas. Barring unforeseen physical issues, the Indians would welcome him at a news conference on Thursday.

Cleveland aggressively pursued Encarnacion, swooping in to lock up the coveted power hitter who was also being chased by big-market clubs. Encarnacion hit 42 homers and drove in 127 runs last season for the Toronto Blue Jays, who lost to the Indians in the AL Championship Series.

Encarnacion, who turns 34 on Saturday, hit 193 homers over the past five years and 310 in his big league career. He is expected to split time at first base and designated hitter with Carlos Santana.