TRADE: Struggling Mets Trade Ex-All-Star Infielder To Angels For Prospects

The Los Angeles Angels, after a rash of injuries, have acquired a former All-Star infielder from the New York Mets, who've now handed the full-time keys at third base to rookie Brett Baty. They've dealt Eduardo Escobar to the Angels in return for two pitching prospects. 

The @Angels have acquired INF Eduardo Escobar from the @Mets for RHPs Landon Marceaux and Coleman Crow. pic.twitter.com/26xvsVXwkn

— MLB (@MLB) June 24, 2023

The Mets receive right-handers Landon Marceaux and Coleman Crow from the Angels, both currently at Double-A. 

Escobar didn't fully follow up on his 2021 All-Star season in Arizona and Milwaukee after coming to the Mets, having signed a 2-year, $20M contract with New York. He launched 20 home runs in 2022 while batting .240, and got off to a dreadful start this season, hitting just .158 through the month of April.

That performance allowed the Mets to give elite prospect Baty a shot at third. 

Escobar will be missed in the clubhouse, if not on the field. 

“He’s one of my favorite teammates ever,’’ Francisco Lindor said of Escobar.  

For the Angels, they've been hit by injuries to several infielders, including third basemen Anthony Rendon and Gio Urshela (out for the season). Escobar will slot right in. 

“Obviously our depth has really been tested in the infield,” Angels manager Phil Nevin said. “He's a professional. He's been around a long time, been through a lot in this game.

"He's somebody that I'm getting a lot of text messages right now about what a great guy he is and how he wants to win, and is a competitor. So I’m looking forward to having him here.”

Escobar, 34, was slashing .236/.286/.409 with the Mets, with four homers,and 16 RBIs. 

Photo: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports