While there have been some occasional good moments, it’s safe to say that Eduardo Escobar’s time with the New York Mets was disappointing. Now, it’s over.
During Friday’s game between New York and the Philadelphia Phillies, news broke that Escobar had been traded to the Los Angeles Angels. In exchange, the Mets acquired Coleman Crow and Landon Marceaux. Both pitchers have been with the Rocket City Trash Panda’s, the Angels Double-A affiliate, this season.
The move was confirmed by both teams on Twitter.
We’ve acquired minor league RHPs Coleman Crow and Landon Marceaux from the Angels in exchange for INF Eduardo Escobar and cash considerations.
— New York Mets (@Mets) June 23, 2023
OFFICIAL: The Angels have acquired INF Eduardo Escobar and cash considerations from the New York Mets in exchange for minor league right-handed pitchers Landon Marceaux and Coleman Crow. pic.twitter.com/ETR3KGEfpK
— Los Angeles Angels (@Angels) June 23, 2023
Andy Martino of SNY added that “The Mets are paying all of Eduardo Escobar’s salary (except the required minimum) in order to get prospects they wanted.”
Escobar’s defensive versatility will likely be an asset with the Angels. He’s spent most of the season at third base, a position that has generally given the Angels decent production this season. But Anthony Rendon’s return is uncertain and Gio Urshela is out for the year. So he could see some time at the hor corner. Escobar can also play second base, a position where the Halos rank in the bottom half of the league in most major offensive categories.
The Mets signed Escobar to a two-year, $20 million deal ahead of the 2022 season. In 2021, Escobar made the National League All-Star team and hit .253/.314/.472 and 28 home runs with the Arizona Diamondbacks and Milwaukee Brewers. He never quite found that stroke with the Mets, slashing at .240/.295/.430 with 20 home runs in 2022 and .236/.286/.409 with four homers in 2023.
Marceaux, a third-round selection of the Angels in 2021, has struggled this season. In 12 starts, he has a 4.88 ERA, 1.542 WHIP and 45 strikeouts in 59 innings. In 2022, however, he posted a 2.98 ERA, 0.949 WHIP with 73 strikeouts in 90.2 innings between High-A and Double-A.
Crow, meanwhile, has had a strong 2022 season in Double-A, albeit in only four starts. In 24 innings pitched, he has accrued a 1.88 ERA, 0.625 WHIP and struck out 31 hitters.
[Mets, Angels, Andy Martino]
