DONE DEAL: Blue Jays Sign $7.9 Million Contract for Eduardo Escobar.
10:44pm: Escobar and the Jays have reached an agreement on a contract, pending a physical, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post (on X). The deal’s terms have yet to be disclosed. Escobar is represented by DJ Rengifo y Associates.
9:55 p.m.: According to Robert Murray of FanSided, infielder Eduardo Escobar is close to reaching an agreement with the Blue Jays on a free agent deal. It’s unclear whether the former All-Star is closing up on a big league contract or a small league deal with a non-roster invite to Spring Training.
Escobar, 35, is coming off a poor 2023 season. He started the season as the Mets’ third baseman, but he struggled throughout. Escobar maintained a.125/.173/.229 line until the middle of April and Brett Baty took over as starter. The 13-year MLB veteran improved in a depth position but appeared to be out of place on the New York team once Baty was recalled.In late June, the Angels traded for Escobar and two minor league pitchers. He struggled offensively, posting a.219/.259/.303 slash in 59 games. The Halos made the obvious decision to buy him out for $500K at the end of the year rather than retain him with a $9MM team option.
Escobar concluded the season with a.226/.269/.344 batting line in 309 plate appearances. He struck out in slightly more than a quarter of his plate appearances, with a 5.8% walk rate. While Escobar has never had high strikeout and walk rates, his power output has declined significantly. He hit six home runs after exceeding the 20-home run mark in each of the previous five complete seasons. That The Jays will hope for something closer to his 2021-22 form. Escobar was a slightly above-average hitter in each of those seasons, batting.247/.305/.452 with 48 home runs.Escobar’s defensive grades have slipped as he has aged into his mid-30s. He can play first, second, or third base, although his performance was below average in all three positions.Escobar’s defensive grades have slipped as he has aged into his mid-30s. He can play first, second, or third base, although his performance was below average in all three positions.Escobar’s defensive grades have slipped as he has aged into his mid-30s. He can play first, second, or third base, although his performance was below average in all three positions.