What Is Eduardo Escobar's Role For New York Mets in 2023?
It took Mets infielder Eduardo Escobar a bit to find his groove during his first season with the team in 2022.
After getting off to a solid start in his first month in New York where he hit .253/.378/.427, Escobar struggled over the summer months, highlighted by a particularly rough August where he had a .458 OPS in 14 games.
However, the Venezuela native rebounded with a strong September and October where he hit a robust .321/.385/.596 with eight home runs.
If Escobar could carry that over to 2023, it would be a big plus for the Mets.
However, with the rise of Brett Baty, who is off to a sweltering start to Spring Training (.409 average, 1.071 OPS), the Mets may have no choice but to award him the starting third base job.
Should that happen, it begs the question: what will Escobar's role be going forward?
Well, it's not a bad problem to have.
Baty, if everything pans out, is slated to be the third baseman of the future for New York, but having a veteran like Escobar on the roster is beneficial and gives the team strong depth.
A switch hitter with power, having someone like Escobar off the bench is a huge plus. In the field, Escobar also has experience at every position except first base and catcher (despite one inning in 2017).
Escobar could spell Baty at third from time to time or slot in should he experience some growing pains. It would also allow him to work as a designated hitter from either side of the dish, which would give Daniel Vogelbach a rest should he need it, or give them options if Darin Ruf or Tommy Pham struggle from the right side.
When it looked like the Mets were going to sign infielder Carlos Correa, Escobar seemed as a likely trade candidate, but since that fell through, his role with the team is definitely important.
Successful teams always have deep rosters, and the 2023 Mets are looking like that will be the case.
Read More:
- Should Mets Take a Flyer on Jurickson Profar?
- Former Mets Greats Laud Brett Baty: 'He's Going to be a Good one'
- John Curtiss Making Strong Bid For Mets Bullpen Spot
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