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.

ST. LOUIS, MO – MAY 8: Eduardo Escobar #5 of the Minnesota Twins is congratulated in the dugout after hitting a two-run home run against the St. Louis Cardinals in the seventh inning at Busch Stadium on May 8, 2018 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images) /

The case for trading Escobar

There’s no telling where the Minnesota Twins would be without the production from Escobar this season. Following the suspension of Jorge Polanco during Spring Training, Escobar was given his first real opportunity in the everyday lineup.

Escobar has become a fan favorite and that makes trading him more difficult. However, his performance through his first 50 games this season makes him a valuable trade chip for the Twins.

He’s hitting .272 with 10 home runs and 30 runs batted in during the 2018 season. Escobar has a .327 on-base percentage with 29 extra base hits. His .850 on-base plus slugging percentage trails only Eddie Rosario for best on the team.

That’s not even where Escobar is making his most impact. He has been flawless defensively during this season and has changed the perception of his defensive abilities.

He has committed zero errors during 290 1/3 innings played at third base so far this season. Escobar has been equally as impressive defensively at shortstop. He has also committed zero errors during his 159 2/3 innings at that position. That type of consistency is tough to find and makes Escobar extremely valuable on the trade market.

Although Escobar isn’t likely to bring back a major haul in a trade, he will bring back some quality prospects. He has shown that he can handle the two toughest positions on the infield defensively and there will be plenty of suitors calling for his services.

It’s always hard when trading a player like Escobar. By all accounts, he’s a tremendous clubhouse guy and his sense of humor helps keep this team loose. However, his value has never been as high as it is right now and Minnesota should take advantage. The Twins need to think about the next few seasons, not only the next four months, and that’s why trading Escobar makes sense.

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – MAY 14: Eduardo Escobar #5 of the Minnesota Twins fields the ball at third base hit by Mitch Haniger #17 of the Seattle Mariners during the first inning of the game on May 14, 2018 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

The case for signing Escobar

As I’ve previously stated, Escobar has become a fan favorite for the Minnesota Twins and it’s not hard to see why. Escobar always has a smile on his face in the dugout and is the type of player that is easy to root for.

The Venezuela native has had to earn every opportunity along the way during his Major League career. He broke into the Majors with the Chicago White Sox during the 2011 season and slowly found his niche within MLB. However, his recent performance has earned him the opportunity at an everyday role.

He has the range and athletic ability to handle the shortstop position and has plenty of arm strength to handle the hot corner. Polanco will return from his suspension during July and likely push Escobar into his more usual utility role. However, if Minnesota turns things around and makes a playoff run, Polanco is ineligible to participate. That makes Escobar that much more important.

It may seem unlikely that the Minnesota Twins can still make a playoff push. However, this team has been operating at far less than capacity all season long. At some point during this season, they will be healthy and that’s when this team will be most dangerous.

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The Cleveland Indians have done little to separate themselves from the rest of the AL Central to this point of the season. Although trading Escobar around the deadline will net a quality return, it will also signal to Twins fans that it’s time to think about next season.

Minnesota has more things to worry about than Escobar being a free agent after this season. They also have tough decisions to make in regards to the futures of Joe Mauer and Brian Dozier. However, that’s a topic for another day, so let’s get back to Escobar.

What the Twins should do with Escobar

Signing Escobar to a long-term contract will provide the Twins insurance in the event they aren’t able to bring back Dozier or Mauer. The future at the keystone will soon be in the hands of the fast-rising prospect Nick Gordon. However, he’s still a little raw and not quite ready to take over the role full-time. That’s why trading Dozier before the deadline makes the most sense.

When the time comes that Gordon is ready to step in and take the reins, it will be nice to have the versatility that Escobar provides. Beyond Escobar’s ability to bridge the gap at the keystone, the Twins would also have him to help at the hot corner.

Without question, Miguel Sano has a ton of potential. However, he has yet to stay healthy for an entire season and with the emergence of Escobar, his best fit on the diamond may be at first base. Hopefully, Minnesota brings Mauer back this offseason. Together with Sano, those two will solidify the first base/designated hitter position.

Next: What should the Twins do in the first round of the MLB draft?

However, if it becomes obvious that the Twins can’t make a playoff push this season, trading Escobar does make sense. With only one caveat, that Minnesota aggressively pursues Escobar during the Winter and signs him as a free agent.

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