Diamondbacks Sign Eduardo Escobar

The Arizona Diamondbacks have come to a 3-year/$21 million agreement with third baseman, Eduardo Escobar.

Escobar was acquired by the Diamondbacks from the Minnesota Twins at the trade deadline. The switch-hitter brought his doubles bat and defensive stability to the team that was reeling from the loss of Jake Lamb. In 54 games with Arizona, Escobar batted .268/.327/.444. That was good for a 100 OPS+ and 103 wRC+. In addition to providing an extra-base threat to the lineup, Escobar also contributed well-above average defense, the sort not seen since the days when Eric Chavez was manning third.

The deal does create an interesting dilemma for the Diamondbacks, as Jake Lamb is still under team control for two more seasons through the arbitration process. Will the team now look to trade Lamb, despite depressed value due to injury? Will Lamb contend for playing time at first base after a Goldschmidt trade? Or, will Lamb and Escobar share time at third, with Escobar also seeing time at second base on days that Nick Ahmed is given a day off at short?

Escobar’s decision to sign with Arizona on such a deal is surprising for many, as he was expected to command plenty more once the free agent signing period began. More details to follow as they are released.

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