Why did the Mets trade Eduardo Escobar mid-game? Former All-Star infielder’s transaction explained

Former New York Mets Third Baseman Eduardo Escobar

Eduardo Escobar's time with the New York Mets is over. While the team was taking on the Philadelphia Phillies, it was reported that they had traded Escobar to the Los Angeles Angels.

The Angels receive Escobar and cash, while the Mets got minor-league pitchers Landon Marceaux and Coleman Crow in return. This is the first major move to kick off the MLB trade season.

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While he has struggled this season, Escobar is likely going to be missed by his teammates. Francisco Lindor considered Eduardo Escobar to be one of the most incredible teammates he ever had.

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Brett Baty's rise this season has made splitting the time between Baty and Escobar hard at third. Escobar would only get in the lineup when facing left-handed pitching.

The Mets had to decide on one or the other, and with Escobar being a veteran, it was a no-brainer to stick with Baty.

Escobar's reportedly making $9.5 million this season and has a team option for the 2024 season. The Mets sent the Angels money to cover Escobar's remaining contract, except for the league minimum.

Eduardo Escobar could shine in Los Angeles

For many players, a change in scenery is sometimes all that is needed to get the ball rolling again. Take Aaron Hicks, for example, who struggled when he was a member of the New York Yankees.

He turned it around after being DFA'd and signing with the Baltimore Orioles. In 18 games, he's hitting .321/.424/.571 with three home runs so far.

This move makes sense with Anthony Rendon dealing with a recent groin injury. Given his injury history, nothing is certain with Rendon. Having some quality guys behind him will help the Angels.

Los Angeles is also without Gio Urshella, who fractured his pelvis and will likely be out for the remainder of the year.

Eduardo Escobar has a clear path to playing time and should make the most out of his recent trade.

About the author

Jared "Bloomy" Bloom is a journalist covering Major League Baseball at Sportskeeda and a former college baseball pitcher from Illinois, who just graduated with a Master's degree in Sport Psychology.

A writer with over 3 years of experience, Jared is consistently more concerned with quality than quantity, thoroughly checking multiple sources of information, and prides himself in being knowledgeable not just about MLB, but the game of baseball in general. He loves breaking down plays and game-changing moments, as well as looking closer into players' statistics.

Jared is a die-hard Chicago White Sox fan, and one of his earliest memories is seeing his great-grandfather, a huge Sox fan, in his rocking chair watching a game. Jared started playing from the age of 5 with his grandfather coaching him early on.

Jared loved Tim Lincecum for his quirky delivery and looked up to him as a role model when playing. His current favorite is Phillies star Bryce Harper, an exciting player who doesn't let injuries hold him back. Jared's favorite sports moment is Mark Buehrle's opening day between-the-legs glove flip to first base in 2010.

When he is not watching or writing about baseball, Jared can be found racing BMX at his local Rockford BMX track or coaching his local youth travel baseball team.

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Edited by Jared "Bloomy" Bloom