The Los Angeles Angels acquired 3B Eduardo Escobar in a trade with the New York Mets Friday evening. In exchange, the Mets received minor league RHPs Coleman Crow and Landon Marceaux. Both teams announced the deal on social media upon its completion.
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
Mets Trade Escobar to Angels
The move came as something of a surprise, as it was announced early in the Mets’ game against the Philadelphia Phillies. Escobar had a fairly serviceable tenure with eh Mets over one and a half seasons. Last season, he hit 20 homers with 69 RBI and a .726 OPS. However, his batting average of .240 was underwhelming. This year, Escobar, like many of his teammates, has struggled at the plate. He sports an average of .236 with four homers, 16 RBI, and a .695 OPS in 40 games played. The biggest highlight of Escobar’s Mets tenure came on June 6 last year, when he hit for the cycle in an 11-5 win over the San Diego Padres at Petco Park.
With the Angels, Escobar is likely to slot in at third base. Los Angeles recently lost Gio Urshela for the season, and Anthony Rendon is on the IL with a left wrist contusion. Thanks to this deal, they now have a veteran presence to slot in at the hot corner.
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The Mets’ Return
In acquiring two minor league hurlers, the Mets now have a couple of relatively unknown quantities on their hands. Per MLB.com, Crow and Marceaux are the 19th and 20th-ranked prospects in the Angels’ system, respectively. Crow is 2-0 with a 1.88 ERA this season in the minors, while Marceaux is 3-6 with a 4.88 ERA. Both were pitching for Double-A Rocket City. Although one or both of these pitchers could eventually become assets for the Mets, they appear to be some way off. Unfortunately, trading a veteran like Escobar seems to indicate the Mets will be sellers as the deadline approaches. The only way this might change is if New York digs out of its current funk. Otherwise, it could be a long summer in Queens.
Photo Credit: John Jones-USA TODAY Sports
Players Mentioned: Eduardo Escobar, Coleman Crow, Landon Marceaux, Gio Urshela, Anthony Rendon
