The Milwaukee Brewers acquired all-star third baseman Eduardo Escobar from the Arizona Diamondbacks on Wednesday in exchange for two prospects.
The 32-year-old Venezuelan was elected to the All-Star Game for the first time this season and has a .246 batting average with 22 home runs. With the wood, he is emerging as a valuable and versatile player for the Brewers, who are leaders of the Central Division of the National League.
Milwaukee may require more explosiveness in its lineup, especially in the coming weeks. All-star outfielder Christian Yelich recently entered the COVID-19 list and is expected to miss at least another week.
Escobar said it will be difficult for him to leave Arizona, where he posted his career-best numbers in 2019 with 35 homers and 118 RBIs. However, he accepted that he is excited about the opportunity to fight for the postseason.
“I love this team. They really have good people here, good friends, ”Escobar said of the Diamondbacks. But at the end of the day it is a new opportunity. I am happy that the Milwaukee organization is giving me the opportunity to help them win. They saw me here every day playing hard. I’ll do the same there ”.
Escobar has played third, second and shortstop for the Diamondbacks this season and previously was an outfielder. It was one of the few bright spots this season with Arizona, which had the worst record in the majors (31-71) before Wednesday’s game.
The Diamondbacks will host outfielder Cooper Hummel and Dominican infielder Alberto Ciprián of the Brewers. Hummel, 26, has a .254 batting average and six homers in Triple A. Ciprian, 18, was contesting the rookie series.
“We are happy with the two players we received from the Brewers,” Arizona general manager Mike Hazel said. “I think when you change someone like Eduardo, it’s certainly bittersweet. But given the position we’re in, it makes sense. “
Escobar is in the final year of his three-year, $ 21 million deal. This change was expected weeks ago.
The trade is among others the Diamondbacks have made this season as they look to rebuild the team. They also sent outfielder Tim Locastro to the Yankees and catcher Stephen Vogt to Atlanta. More changes are expected before Friday’s limit at 4pm (2000 GMT).
“Where we are now and for the next two months, it’s about acquiring talent that we can build on for the future,” Hazen said.. (AP)