The Mets announced Wednesday they’ve signed free agent infielder Eduardo Escobar to a two-year guarantee with a 2024 club option. It’s reportedly a $20MM guarantee for the DJ Rengifo y Associates client. Entering the offseason, MLBTR ranked Escobar the game’s #35 free agent, forecasting him for the two-year, $20MM guarantee he ultimately landed.
Escobar gives the Mets cover at three infield positions, as he’s coming off a season in which he logged 100+ innings at each of first base, second base and third base. He also had extended run as a shortstop earlier in his career, but he’s only played two innings there over the past three years. Escobar doesn’t rate as a particularly strong defender anywhere on the diamond, but he’s at least capable of bouncing between a few spots on the dirt.
While that defensive versatility is a nice bonus, the calling card with Escobar has been his bat. He’s been an above-average hitter by measure of wRC+ in each of the last three full seasons, unexpectedly morphing into a power threat late in his career. While he hit just 27 home runs over his first 1620 major league plate appearances, Escobar found another gear in that department in 2017. He hit 21 homers in 499 trips to the dish that season, and he’s knocked between 23 and 35 longballs with an above-average ISO (slugging minus batting average) in all three full campaigns since then.
Escobar has gotten to that increased impact without sacrificing much in the way of contact. He’s kept his strikeout rate right around 20% over the course of his career, around three percentage points below the league mark. His contact and swinging strike rates have also hovered right around average. And the switch-hitting Escobar has fared well from both sides of the plate. Going back to the start of 2018, he’s a .283/.333/.482 batter against left-handed pitching; his .249/.311/.473 mark against righties over that same stretch isn’t as impressive, but it’s still around league average output from his weaker side.
There’s a lot to like about Escobar’s offensive game, although he’s not completely without flaws. The Venezuela native had an awful .212/.270/.335 showing over 222 plate appearances in the truncated 2020 season. He bounced back to offer more typical .253/.314/.472 output between the D-Backs and Brewers in 2021. That clearly erased some doubts about Escobar’s 2020 struggles, but he’ll turn 33 years old in January. And even at his best, Escobar has an aggressive approach that tamps down his walk rate and leads to on-base percentages right around the league average.
Escobar is coming off his first career All-Star selection, but that nod was also influenced by the rule requiring an All-Star rep from every team and his presence on a lackluster Arizona club. He’s more solid regular than star, but Escobar was valued around three wins above replacement by each of Baseball Reference and FanGraphs in 2018, 2019 and 2021. The Mets will hope for more of that same steadiness over the coming seasons, and Escobar’s versatility enables Eppler and his staff to be flexible in building the infield around him.
Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso are ensconced at shortstop and first base, respectively. Second and third base are less settled, though, with Jeff McNeil and J.D. Davis the respective in-house favorites at those spots. Both players can also man the corner outfield, and neither is without question marks. McNeil didn’t make his typical level of offensive impact in 2021, while Davis is a below-average defender at the hot corner. Davis, in particular, has been frequently mentioned as a speculative trade candidate — so much so that he’s even expressed some doubt about whether he’ll be back in Flushing next season. Robinson Canó is also slated to return from a season-long performance-enhancing drug suspension and could factor into the second base mix, although it remains to be seen how much faith a new front office head and manager will have in the 39-year-old veteran.
Jon Heyman of the MLB Network first reported that Escobar and the Mets were in agreement on a two-year contract. Joel Sherman of the New York Post was first to report the $20MM guarantee as well as the presence of a 2024 club option.
Image courtesy of USA Today Sports.
solid pickup
But can he pitch? Oops sorry. Habit. Thought Eppler was still with the Angels.
Actually same can be said for the current Mets team lol
This looks like it could be a good sign for the Mets. It’s not too long and it’s not for much money. I do wonder if the Mets would have been better off spending this money elsewhere. Noah Syndergaard cost about the same and he fits a position they need more. He also comes with much more upside. The infield can always get better but outfield seems like a bigger need and pitching is a much bigger need. At least the Mets didn’t overpay. I wonder if they did this just to do something. Why haven’t they signed a manager yet? It shouldn’t be that hard and it shouldn’t take this long. Sign the manager and let him give input into whether he thinks this contract is what he needs to help the team win before you pull the trigger.
It makes no sense for the Mets to sign Baez now unless they plan on eating over $40M to not even give Cano a chance. He looked pretty good last time he played. They owe him so much money it doesn’t make sense to just eat it when he looked good the last time he played.
The more I look at it the less I like this deal for the Mets. They have Lindor, Alonso, Cano, McNeil and Davis already. There is definitely room for improvement there but how much better is THIS guy? It’s not like they got a superstar.
The Mets need one or 2 great outfielders and a ton of pitching. Why spend more on the infield when you aren’t even getting a star? And they are still talking about paying a lot more money to keep Baez? It’s almost like the Mets brass are looking at free agents and thinking they are worth what they ask for so they just sign them without putting thought into the construction of the team.
This looks like a misappropriation of funds to me. Unless the Mets are about to go on a run where they shatter the luxury tax I don’t see how this makes sense.
Cano did look.good last time he played. Didn’t get the uniform dirty, didn’t break in a new glove or scuff the clears. Dorm II. Mets don’t need baez. Canoes steroid use is still puzzling. Wasn’t up for a contract. Voted himself out of the hall, just like Alex Rodriguez.
maybe it’s a run of signing guys that can field, and trading away the guys that can’t.
I’m sure JD will be traded
He’s 38 coming off a PED suspension. Eat the money or just put him in the bench. (But still don’t sign Baez).
@METSmissedWAR
You have to start reading your posts before you post them. You say the same thing in 5 sentences. In this case you literally used the same words.
Hard to go wrong with this deal. It’s a nice sign.
I guess overall he’s a little upgrade over Villar.
For 3 times the price.
The Mets paid way too much money for a guy who is going to be 33.
The Mets paid way too much for a guy about to turn 27. This is a slight overpay, but I agree that it’s better to invest in youth.
nonono, you’re not allowed to make smart moves Mets.
But he’ll have an 88 OPS+ on the Mets
@DarkSide830 Don’t worry. They still haven’t.
But, , , but, , ,they can’t do that. There goes the White Sox 2B man.
Dogbone- what do you have against the White Sox? Why do you hate them so much that you can’t even make a reasonable comment relating to them?
@baseballfan, You can start with their pathetically egotistical, over-hyping and constantly excuse making – TV announcing team. They are truly tough to listen to.
Plus their organization from Reinsdorf, Williams and Ozzie, Stone, Hawkeroo and LaRussa, have hated everything Cubs, for years now.
And personally I have no use for Ricketts either.
Not to worry – this was in place of signing Baez.
Probably. And Bryant too
Baez is a big question mark at any point as far as his production goes. Idve been fine with them signing him.
They are safe. $10 million AAV for a below average utility player is not a good move.
Who? Escobar? He’s not below average.
Plus, he’s one heck of a nice guy. Really have missed watching him on the Twins.
uh huh
So long JD Davis
That’s the first thing I thought too. And as much as Davis can’t really play defense anywhere and always seems to be injured, he still had a good bat on a team loaded with underachieving hitters last season
Camden453 – Was just about to post the same thing. Despite what the article says, I think you’ll see Escobar start for the Mets at third, as their regular. Unless they sign Bryant. This is a very smart pickup of a very steady bat with pop.
Projected at $2.5m in arbitration, that’s a steal for a guy with his upside. Not going to find anything on the market for 2.5m, and his trade value is down after his 2021 season so I don’t see him going anywhere.
Davis can DH where he belongs.
Never expected this match, though I admit I’m not as familiar with EE.
Or maybe it demonstrates how a new GM is somewhat of a new path in what FAs they will pursue.
Hope it works out well!
A solid signing!
Poor Eduardo
I agree. He’ll be hyped up like he’s Mike Schmidt, but will be bashed for performing like Eduardo Escobar.
Could you maybe keep your irrational hatred on planet earth please? Hyped like Mike Schmidt? He’s a utility infielder and everyone knows this.
That was for Metsfan22. Take it easy.
He is a filler for are big time prospects..:: better than the marlins 3B tho
Better than Washington’s 3b, too.
@MetsFan22
FYI – Isan Diaz is not the Marlins starting 3B – Bryan Anderson is. You may have heard of him….some guy that is a top defender at 3B when healthy, who also has a solid bat while playing in Miami…unlike some of the guys who have benefitted from hitting in places like Arizona and Milwaukee.
@rct
Not familiar with @MetsFan22’s work? Or are you just trying ignore what dimwittery your fellow Mets fan does?
wow great reporting Heyman
Words rarely spoken.
$20 million just isnt “nearly $25 million”. Little ways off.
Now trade JD Davis to the Rangers so he can be their DH and put up an .800 OPS with 25 HRs 30 Doubles and 85 RBI
“Escobar doesn’t rate as a particularly strong defender anywhere on the diamond…”
Looks like defense will continue to be an issue for the Mets.
33 year old vet with poor defense and bad knees should give the Mets the youthful energy they’ve been lacking
Defense surprisingly wasn’t bad last year
Shhh! The trolls don’t care about facts.
While Escobar won’t win any awards at 3B, he is a huge upgrade from JD Davis defensively:
Davis 2019-21: -25 DRS in about 900 innings at third
Escobar 20191-21: -2 DRS in about 2000 innings at third
That is worth $10m by itself.
I’m a huge defensive upgrade from JD Davis…and I haven’t played for a loooooong time.
His defense isn’t elite, but he’s not a complete clank glove.
No Baez then? Makes you think…
No Escobar to White Sox.
Hopefully, no Baez to Sox either.
I want Semien or Even Chris Taylor would be a good pickup
Semien wants ridiculously long contract at his age.
No thanks.
Maybe Taylor.
Would love either one with the colorful hose (Red Sox for those who need a translator). For the same reason I don’t want Stroman, I’d prefer not having Baez on a long term deal. Getting either on a playoff push is one thing, but having them in the clubhouse for years to come scares me.
@dewey, Some might refer to the White Sox as the Pale hose but I promise you that nobody calls the Red Sox the colorful hose.
My thoughts exactly, Baseball Fan. Baez is consistently among the lowest projected SS FA contracts out of the notable ones this offseason.
I hope the Yankees go for gold and get Seager, plus, plus, plus… but, if they don’t (they likely won’t), just spring for Baez, get CF, get utility (Villar?), and get SP and I’d be happy too. He’s another swing-and-miss guy but I look at Baez as a glove-first guy with a good bat.
Assume Cano/Smith are DH. Alonso at 1B. Lindor at SS. Escobar at 3B. Squirrel at 2B or LF.
Still need a CF and two starting pitchers.
I think the rat / raccoon / choking in the tunnel thing indicates the $341 million guy is staying and the sulking .300-turned-.220 hitter will be leaving.
Along with Dom Smith. I think with full-time work, Smith, Davis and McNeil will succeed. It’s just gonna happen somewhere else, not in Queens.
Sadly (for me) I like Squirrel, Dom and JD Davis. But I suspect they all will be flipped for minor league players.
You are assuming there will BE a DH. I wouldn’t do that. The owners said they would give the players the DH for expanded playoffs and the MLBPA laughed at them.
@outinleftfield
They didn’t laugh because the players hated the idea, they laughed because the DH has no leverage on negotiations since they both want it.
I think ownership may be preparing for the DH and if it does not happen they either have extra versatility or trade JD Davis
I’d bet that there’s going to be a DH in the NL. But I don’t gamble so…
I think JD Davis is your DH, Cano to the bench and keep Dom in Left. Nimmo stays in Center. It’s not ideal, but I think that’s what they’re stuck with to have room for pitching
I think JD is gone. Cano is the DH or if he flops Smith. I think Smith and Squirrel have everyday talent. I get the pony maybe no DH in which case Cano platoons at 2B until he flops.
After the news that the Mets are signing Mark Canha as well, this is my guess
W/O DH
C James McCann
1B Pete Alonso
2B Jeff McNeil/Robinson Cano
3B Eduardo Escobar
SS Francisco Lindor
LF Dom Smith/Jeff McNeil
CF Brandon Nimmo
RF Mark Canha
W/DH
C McCann
1B Alonso
2B Cano/McNeil
3B Escobar
SS Lindor
LF McNeil/Smith
CF Nimmo
RF Canha
DH Smith/Cano
I may be wrong but I’ve always thought Smith is overrated. If there is a DH I would rather keep Davis. Smith is highly valuable off the bench though so they should keep him too if possible
Davis/Smith as DH, cano to bench. LF to someone else (Canha?)
All of that is out the window now that the Mets have also signed Starling Marte. I imagine one or two of Davis/Smith/McNeil will be on the move
Maybe. I could still see a fit: McNeil is either quasi-Zobrist role or everyday second baseman or even third base (Escobar utility), Davis is DH, Smith is bench/DH until he builds trade value. Plenty of room for all. Cano to the bench, to the moon, whatever works.
I see the fit for the Mets but I’m curious if this means Baez isn’t returning to Flushing.
I hope it means he isn’t
Alright then
Waste of money and a sloppy signing to me. An aging 33 year old with below average defense who at Citi Field will probably be in the 85 to 100 OPS+ range
But, there’s always more to defense than statcast data. Solid, dependable defense that you don’t have to worry about is more important than DRS stats
An accurate, consistent arm is the most important part of infield defense. This is where JD Davis was badly lacking
He also has power and can play multiple infield positions
OPS+ takes into account ballpark factors so saying his will be lower at Citi Field doesn’t make much sense.
It’s OPS/league OPS adjusted for park factors
But the park factors aren’t an exact science. It’s a vague downgrade or upgrade
You put Escobar in Atlanta instead of CitField and the OPS+ will be much higher. I can almost guarantee Escobar’s OPS+ will be 85-100 now that he’s at Citi. That’s after 109, 111 the last two years at other parks
Hitters come to the Mets and don’t hit like they have their whole career at other parks. A lot of that is the location of the park and the air there
All park factors calculate is home vs road stats. It’s incredibly vague calculation
No. No it won’t. You show a shocking lack of understanding of the stats.
Yes, yes it will
No, you’re not being smarter by blindly following the stats because fangraph writers tell you to
I’ve run thousands of simulations with OOTP and know more how to interpret the stats than probably everyone in MLB front offices
I also have a science degree and former math and science teacher.
you’re another guy who was taught it’s being clever to blindly support stats and never criticize or question
There is no way you’re a real poster.
Camden, the problem is that stats like OPS+ can be mis-adjusted in either direction. Playing in a park that gives him credit just for playing there could very well RAISE his OPS+ despite him not actually being better. I’d worry more about his age rather than park factors.
Escobar used to lead the D-backs clubhouse dances after wins last year (admittedly not often). Good clubhouse guy. Good energy. Mets fans will like him.
As long as he doesn’t boo his own team’s fans it will be a step up.
And as long as he matches the delusional expectations Mets fans will have for him.
At least the Mets have fans, buddy.
Keep feeding us opinions we don’t have just to make your argument easier. That’s the second straw man fallacy you’ve posted here so far.
M0ronic. Sub-m0ronic.
$20m for a 33 yo IFer when the Mets got 2.3 fWAR from a 4 headed platoon at 3b last year?
Typical. They’ll dribble it away on over the hill players, give 90 starts to terrible pitchers, and wonder why it all went wrong.
That the Mets think they need starting-caliber IFers is beyond pitiful. This may actually be a $20m downgrade. The money would have been better put towards Matz, or keeping Syndergaard—that’s how bad this is.
It doesn’t look good to me, This is Eppler’s first significant move. Doesn’t look good. Still giving him the benefit of the doubt though
If Escobar is filling Villar’s role as a utility guy then I can see it as smart that way
I sincerely doubt he’s anything but a Villar backfill.
Yep. Folks get fooled by headlines. He’s been signed, it’s today’s news story, therefore he MUST be their biggest, most important signing! He’s supplanting everyone!… news flash: doesn’t work that way.
This moves tell us nothing important. Short term Mets need to rebuild farm system and bring in a couple of solid starting pitchers. This salary is small enough that it does not impact acquiring pitchers. All it tells us is that the Mets are not going with Davis or Villar.
It’s over two years with third year option, so it’s not a ridiculous overpay. It likely means they will not be going after Baez or Bryant, so their biggest signing will probably be a pitcher.
And I think they’ll make a big push for Marte
You’ll be pleasantly surprised.
The Mets actually made a decent move? And here I was expecting them to give Kris Bryant 300 million
Solid signing. he’s a better fit than Villar was
Solid signing….assuming they are still spending real money for a #2 AND #3 pitcher, will improve the bullpen, and maybe find a better CF fit. If 75% of their spending isn’t on pitching….they did it wrong. I like Baez, but I don’t like him at 6/$150m. Unfortunately, someone is going to overpay him.
Gotta think this takes them out of it for Baez. There were already a ton of 2B/3B types on the roster.
@KrussMETS If it takes them out of the running for Baez, then it was worth it.
Meh downside of his career.
He’s a two year patch until Brett Baty is ready to take the job at 3b.
I believe reuniting him with Rosario makes so much sense for the Mets. In fact, Rosario was my pick to go to the Mets. Unless the Braves get Suzuki and bring Soler back, they cannot let Super Rosasio defect to the Mets.
L.M.F.A.O.
Only the Mets would consider a below average player a “the first major strike of the offseason.”
99 OPS+ and 1 WAR per season. A backup on a decent team.
Wow. OK, so, for the reading-impaired, Mr. Franco (who wrote this post for MLBTraderumors), remarked “…it’s the first major strike of the offseason for the Mets,”
What are you talking about? Escobar hasn’t had a sub-100 OPS+ since 2017 and hasn’t had a WAR lower than 1.3 since then as well (unless you want to count 2020).
He did in 2020 in 54 games for whatever that’s worth.
It counts, but prob shouldn’t be weighted as heavily
99 OPS+ is a backup on any other team? How many over 100 OPS+ guys do you think most teams have in a lineup? He may very well end up a utility guy, but those stats do not scream “backup”.
Was expecting a CFer or SP, but I guess this is a start…
Yea, it’s just a start, a decent one; here’s hoping the rest are a bit more inspiring, but good move.
I wish they had stayed with Villar. What a job he did for us last year.
I’d like him for the Yankees.
Ditto. Villar would be a good utility add for the Yanks. And I’m for Baez – Yankees if it means we adequately fill out the other positions lacking. After all, how can we Yankees fans not love Baez after he booed the Mets..lol.
Dear goodness…I, and the fans of the other teams that have had Villar, never thought we’d see a day when teams wanted Villar back or the crosstown rivals wanted him. I guess that the NY based media is right when they say NY fans aren’t stupid. And all this time I thought they were being facetious.
Yea I was hoping for Villar back too.
Good pickup. J.D. Davis traded or LF?
I say traded. To an AL team
Wow what a bad signing. I guess when no one wants your money you sign whoever agrees to be overpaid.
Good signing, replaces Conforto’s production in the lineup. BTW this is exactly what the Mets should be doing, not every player signed needs to be a type A free agent.
Def won’t replace what conforto gives on a typical year but will help
Look at it this way. The Mets are paying $10 million a season for possibly their utility infielder
darn good lineup if he’s a utility guy…
Escobar is likely the new 3B. If Cano is healthy and not suspended again he would be at 2B. McNeil likely to the OF. Guillorme will like be the utility guy
Perhaps. Wouldn’t set that in stone though.
Escobar is one of those guys who doesn’t do anything fantastically, but he does a lot of things pretty darn well, including being a positive personality in the clubhouse. And as much as I like to poke fun at the Mets, Escobar could be a very positive influence in that lineup.
I liked Escobar during his D-Backs days . He wasn’t flashy or spectacular but always in the game and always a threat. He is a gamer.
@Camden Or look at it this way, if the Mets end up with Escobar as a utility player that would mean they are stacked offensively.
Wow the one year I thought more guys would re-sign with their former teams. Good sign by the Mets.
I’m laughing at all the people who think this elimates Baez
I’m also not saying they’ll sign baez. But this surely doesn’t elimate them
How have you been, you haven’t posted in a while
I actually have to agree with you in this one.
I actually agree with you.
I could really go without Baez and his sub-.300 OBP.
What is elimate?
I believe it’s a light chicken gravy
Not a bad signing, so going cheaper at 3b instead of Bryant only if they sign 2 Sp’s, Baez and Marte
Please no on Baez. Use that money on High end starters (Gausman and Stroman)
I saw a few Arizona Fall League games, Brett Baty is very good, could be the 3rd baseman for a while
Great backup for Cano when Robinson’s serving his next suspension.
Only one more positive test and we’re off the hook from that contract!
Almost nothing could benefit Met’s more than Cano getting caught again.
Amen, brother.
This is a great move.
It really is. It’s not flashy, it’s not groundbreaking or headline-grabbing. But is is solid, reasonably priced, and not too long of a commitment. Mets fans should be happy with this.
Good yes, affordable to save money for starting pitchers is prudent, but great nah.
Why the blue jays don’t try to sign him ?.we need guys like this
The Mets are back baby!
From where?
From outerspace
Eppler is the GM now, pitching takes a back seat.
Amazingly he’s been worth only 1.6 war less than Bryant since 2018– I guess he’s the third baseman until Baty’s ready.
Welp, here’s one for the “incorrect” column of my predictions
The Mets will win the World Series in 2049.
I like the signing as long as the Mets can move one of their other infielders with a goodish bat and below-average glove.
Seems like the Mets got a good deal here.
Am I the only one who thinks this answers the question of who is the 3rd baseman until Baty is ready. Seems very logical and very smart the team got the option for the 3rd year and not the player.
Earlier today: Mets In Talks With Multiple Free Agent Pitchers
Now: Mets Sign Eduardo Escobar
Is this the Mets or the Angels? Mets gonna Met and Epp gonna Epp.
Solid, but not spectacular, moves. Proves that they are committed to the prospects that are 1-2 years away. More moves are obviously needed to shore up the offense and certainly need to address the rotation and the pen.
I wouldn’t mind Villar replacing Wade on the Yankees
Villar is very under appreciated, in my opinion.
Not crazy about this signing. Not sure if he’s an improvement over Jeff McNeil. Based on Escobar’s wRC+ and Statcast metrics, I fail to see the appeal of this guy.
He’s not an improvement over McNeil. Why would he need to be?
As a White Sox fan, I’m disappointed. I still believe JR is too cheap to get the likes of Semien, but thought Escobar was a realistic option. Good signing by the Mets.
Is there a player or executive from the Brewers that the Mets don’t try to get? They must still be upset that the Brewers will not ever allow them to take Sterns or interview him.
Too much money for a guy who is already 33. Mets over paid!
When is Baseball going to get a salary cap? It is a joke that almost every other sport has a salary cap, but not baseball. The small market teams like the Twins, Brewers, Royals get screwed over by the teams like the Yankees, Mets, Dodgers to name just a few. By the time the small market teams are able to develop their players, Teams like the three mentioned above swoop in and steal them. I hate seeing teams like the Dodgers, Mets, Yankees, Astros, Boston spending like there is no tomorrow. While small market teams cannot have the same opportunity to go after the same players. I am a Brewers fan, and I really don’t care that Escobar is going to the Mets instead of the Brewers. He was going to be a utility player on the Brewers. I am just frustrated to see high price free agents never going to small market teams because they cannot afford them. Teams like the Dodgers, Mets, Yankees among others, can sign a bad high price free agent and not worry about it. If the player gets hurt, or doesn’t perform well, they just go and get another high price free agent.
My proposal for Baseball…. Put a salary cap in place by the year 2032. That gives teams time to adjust to the salary cap over several years, and have most high price contracts expire by then. I know teams like the Yankees and Dodgers will not like this proposal, but why is it fair that one team can spend over $200 million on players, and another team cannot spend over $100 million? Glad to see that doesn’t happen in football, otherwise, teams like the Packers, Vikings, Chiefs, and others, would never make it to the Super Bowl.