Mets third baseman Eduardo Escobar was traded to the Angels on Friday night in a deal that lands New York pitching prospects Coleman Crow and Landon Marceaux.
The 34-year-old Escobar has been playing on a part-time basis after an early season slump and the promotion of top prospect Brett Baty. Since Baty’s promotion though, Escobar is hitting .323 in 67 plate appearances.
The trade was unexpected for the Mets, especially for star shortstop Francisco Lindor, who was interviewed mid-game against the Phillies on Apple TV+ and discussed the impending departure of his teammate.
“Man ‘Escy’ is one of the best teammates I’ve ever had,” Lindor said. “He’s an amazing player. Literally just found out in the dugout. We’re gonna miss him a lot. I don’t know where he went but wherever he goes hopefully he gets the opportunity and helps that team win. He’s one of the players that is good with the culture. We’re gonna miss him a lot. He’s helped me. He was my locker mate back at Citi Field and he’s been there on the nights where I’ve had rough nights, he’s been there for me, so I’m definitely going to miss him.”
Francisco Lindor was interviewed right after the Eduardo Escobar trade news broke
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) June 24, 2023
“I just found out literally in the dugout… we’re gonna miss him a lot. I don’t know where he went…”
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Escobar is joining an Angels club that is looking to make the playoffs for the first time since 2014. Following Friday night’s loss to the Rockies, the Angels sit at 41–36 on the year, which puts the club third in the AL West, seven games behind the surging the Rangers. The Angels are only a half-game out of a wild card spot though, with plenty left to play for this summer.
