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Anthony Arroyo
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Updated at Mar 18, 2026, 01:55
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Jerar Encarnación’s 463-foot home run highlights late spring surge. He seeks a spot on San Francisco Giants’ Opening Day roster.

Jerar Encarnación may have delivered the most jaw-dropping swing of the San Francisco Giants’ spring, showcasing the kind of raw power that could force the club’s hand as roster decisions loom.

The 28-year-old outfielder crushed a towering three-run homer during Sunday’s Cactus League matchup, helping power San Francisco to a 7-1 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers.

The blast came in the second inning and left little doubt off the bat. Encarnación launched the ball over the left-field berm and beyond the trees at Scottsdale Stadium, a drive that registered 115.4 mph and traveled a projected 463 feet.

“When I saw the distance, I was like, ‘Well, that one’s gone,’” Encarnación said in Spanish.

His teammates were equally impressed by the display.

“Oh my goodness, that was amazing,” said left-handed pitcher Robbie Ray. “I think it was 115 [mph] at 28 degrees. That’s a homer anywhere. Maybe the Green Monster swallows it, but it might go through it.”

According to Giants beat reporter Maria Guardado of MLB.com, power like that has never been in question for Encarnación, though injuries prevented him from showcasing it consistently last season.

He appeared on track to make the Opening Day roster in 2025 before suffering a fractured finger late in camp. Though he returned in June, additional oblique and hamstring issues limited him to just 19 games.

“It was something I didn't expect, but it was God's will that those things happened,” Encarnación said. “But now, I'm here, healthy, and trying to do my job just like always.”

Determined to regain form, Encarnación logged winter ball in the Dominican Republic, though his rhythm at the plate lagged early in camp. That has changed in recent weeks.

Across 18 Spring Training games, he’s hitting .302 with a .783 OPS, two home runs, and nine RBIs, trending upward at an ideal time.

“I think you kind of already knew that Jerar was capable of that,” Giants manager Tony Vitello said. “It was just fun to watch. Anything these guys do, we’ve got to take it into account.”

San Francisco’s projected outfield alignment features Heliot Ramos, Harrison Bader, and Jung Hoo Lee, but Encarnación remains firmly in the mix.

He could factor in at designated hitter, particularly if top prospect Bryce Eldridge does not break camp with the team. That scenario could put Encarnación in line for at-bats against left-hander Max Fried on Opening Day.

Roster construction adds another layer of intrigue. Both Encarnación and Luis Matos are out of minor-league options, forcing the Giants to weigh whether they can carry both right-handed bats.

While Matos has also impressed this spring, Encarnación’s ability to handle first base in addition to corner outfield spots could give him an edge.

Still, Encarnación isn’t focused on the competition.

“I don’t think about that,” he said. “I just come to enjoy the game and do my job every day. The decision is up to them. God has the final say. I’m just going to keep working. It doesn’t matter if I have options or not.”

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