Minnesota Twins: The complicated future of Eduardo Escobar

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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – JUNE 01: (L-R) Brian Dozier #2, Eduardo Escobar #5 and Max Kepler #26 of the Minnesota Twins celebrate defeating the Cleveland Indians 7-4 after the game on June 1, 2018 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

The Minnesota Twins are in a precarious position at this point of the 2018 season. They’re still within striking distance of the Indians in the AL Central. However, the Twins haven’t played playoff caliber baseball this season and it might be time to unload some assets.

One player to keep an eye on is Minnesota Twins utility infielder Eduardo Escobar. Last season Escobar enjoyed a breakthrough performance hitting .254 while hitting 21 home runs with 73 runs batted in. Escobar showed his versatility playing five different positions defensively, including an appearance at catcher, and helped cover for the loss of Miguel Sano.

This season, Escobar has been one of the most consistent players in the Twins lineup. That being said, Escobar will be a free agent following this season and Minnesota has some decisions to make about his future in the Twin Cities.

What Escobar’s start means for his future

This team has been beset by injuries all season long and hope for a playoff run is fading fast. Escobar is far from the only player who carries value in a trade for Minnesota. However, he will likely net the best return in a trade out of the other likely candidates, unless Brian Dozier can turn things around.

However, Minnesota has options to consider in regards to Escobar. He brings enough value that the organization should consider signing him to a long-term contract, keeping him in the Twin Cities for the foreseeable future.

The 29-year-old has only just begun putting everything together at the MLB level. His versatility has been his calling card throughout his career. However, Escobar has shown that he’s more than just a utility player over the previous season and a half.

At worst, Escobar has the offensive capabilities to anchor the lower half of a lineup. On top of that, he has shown a vast improvement defensively while becoming a major run producer for the Twins during this season.

Should he be part of the upcoming Twins renaissance? Should Minnesota trade him to help move that renaissance ahead quicker? We’ll take a look at both of these options within this piece. Let us know in the comments what you want Minnesota to do.

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