Mets trade Eduardo Escobar to Angels for two minor league pitchers
The Mets announced Friday that they have traded infielder Eduardo Escobar.
New York has sent Escobar and cash consideration to the Los Angeles Angels for right-handed pitchers Coleman Crow and Landon Marceaux.
The Mets are paying all of Escobar's salary (except the required minimum) in order to get the prospects they wanted, according to SNY's Andy Martino.
Escobar signed a two-year, $20 million deal with the Mets prior to the 2022 season. The two seasons have been a rough go for the veteran infielder in Queens. In 2022, Escobar hit .240 with 20 home runs and 69 RBI. Many Mets fans will not forget the "month of Escobar" in September when he slashed .340/.393/.649 with eight home runs and 24 RBI across 26 games.
In 2023, Escobar struggled out the gate and eventually lost his everyday job to rookie Brett Baty. In 110 at-bats, Escobar slashed .236/.286/.695 with four home runs and 16 RBI.
The trade occurred during the Mets-Phillies series opener, and Francisco Lindor was asked about it when he was mic'd up for the broadcast.
"He's one of the best teammates I've ever had," he said. "We're going to miss him a lot."
As for the pitchers the Mets are getting back, Crow, is ranked as the Angels' No. 17 prospect, according to Baseball America. and the No. 19 prospect according to MLB Pipeline. He's also ranked as the organization's No. 8 prospect according to Fangraphs. The 22-year-old right-hander has made four starts for Double-A Rocket City in 2023, going 2-0 with a 1.88 ERA, six walks and 31 strikeouts.
Crow has been on the IL since the end of April. His last start was April 26 where he gave up two runs in seven innings while striking out six batters.
Marceaux was the Angels No. 20-ranked prospect, per Baseball America and MLB Pipeline. The 23-year-old has made 12 starts for Double-A Rocket City this season and is 3-6 with a 4.88 ERA. His last start came on June 16 where he went six innings, gave up seven hits, three runs, one walk and struck out six.
