# Christian Encarnacion-Strand’s glasses make him stand out

> Orioles prospect Christian Encarnacion-Strand’s glasses and steady approach help him emerge as a 2027 contender
- Title: Christian Encarnacion-Strand’s glasses make him stand out
- Summary: Orioles prospect Christian Encarnacion-Strand’s glasses and steady approach help him emerge as a 2027 contender Encarnacion-Strand’s glasses and competitive…
- Keywords: christian encarnacion-strand, orioles, glasses, baseball, nfl, seattle, baltimore, mlb, holliday, coby mayo, blaze alexander, 2027
- Source: The Banner — https://thebanner.com/sports/orioles-mlb/orioles-christian-encarnacion-strand-emergence-WRU6TEHUB5A3BFDUDQYO3F6MSM
- Author: Andy Kostka
- Published: 2026-09-22T14:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: christian encarnacion-strand, orioles, glasses, baseball, nfl, seattle, baltimore, mlb, holliday, coby mayo, blaze alexander, 2027
## Glasses on the field
Encarnacion-Strand wears glasses for the first time in his career after ditching contact lenses due to astigmatism.

> It’s so sick. I’ve never seen anything like that.
## Competitive approach
He prefers wrestling to baseball, focusing on one-on-one battles in every at-bat.

> I like to compete. I don’t really care to watch it, but I like to compete.
## Injury resilience
Hand fracture and back inflammation in 2024 and 2025 kept him from playing consistently.

> If you’re not playing every day, it’s hard to hit.
## 2027 potential
His .268 batting average with 10 homers and .817 OPS positions him for a major role in 2027.

> I think it’s just being healthy and playing consistently.
## Team dynamics
Holliday notes Encarnacion-Strand’s steady demeanor helps him hit the ball all over the field.

> His demeanor and approach have always been very steady and very professional.
## 2023 performance
He hit .270 with an .805 on-base-plus-slugging percentage in 63 games before injuries.

> I was healthy both of those years.
## Fishing hobby
He fishes in Arizona when not playing, a pastime he shared with college teammate Jackson Holliday.

> When you have the ability to hit the ball all over the field like him, it opens up a lot of room for error.
## 2027 outlook
Finding starts for multiple prospects at third base remains a challenge for the Orioles.

> Jordan Westburg will return from elbow surgery, Coby Mayo is burgeoning into a force, and Blaze Alexander has been one of Baltimore’s best producers.
## Key takeaway

Encarnacion-Strand’s glasses and competitive mindset make him a top 2027 Orioles prospect despite injury setbacks