Brewers Acquire Eduardo Escobar From D-Backs For Stretch Run

Image credit: Eduardo Escobar (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)

After weeks of rumors Eduardo Escobar was going to be traded, the 32-year-old veteran finally knows where he is going.

The Diamondbacks traded Escobar to the Brewers in exchange for Triple-A utilityman Cooper Hummel and DSL third baseman Alberto Ciprian on Wednesday.

Escobar spent parts of four seasons with the D-backs and represented them in the All-Star Game this year. Now, he will try to help the Brewers maintain their hold on first place in the National League Central down the stretch.

Neither Hummel nor Ciprian ranked among the Brewers Top 30 prospects.

D-BACKS ACQUIRE

Cooper Hummel, OF/C
Age: 26

The Brewers drafted Hummel as a catcher in the 18th round out of Portland in 2016. He spent the early part of his career behind the plate, but since 2018 he’s primarily been a left fielder who occasionally catches. Hummel is a versatile athlete who can play both corner outfield positions, has a chance to play some third base and first base and can catch a bit as well. He has a good approach at the plate and crushes lefties. Both traditional scouts and data-driven organizations think he has a chance to be a lefty-killer who can bounce around and play multiple positions in the majors. He draws rave reviews for his makeup.

Alberto Ciprian, 3B
Age: 18

Ciprian signed with the Brewers for $500,000 during the 2019-20 international signing period on the strength of his above-average raw power and explosive hand speed. His power is ahead of his hitting ability and he’s a bit of a lottery ticket with very little pro experience. His projectable body and power give him some upside and he has a chance to stick at third base with his improving footwork and above-average arm.

BREWERS ACQUIRE:

Eduardo Escobar, 3B
Age: 32

Escobar has quietly been one of the better-hitting third basemen in the major leagues the last five years, averaging 29 home runs and 100 RBIs per 162 games in that span. The switch-hitter is better batting righthanded (.275, .865 OPS) than lefthanded (.237, .750 OPS), but he’s capable enough from both sides to be an effective hitter. Escobar doesn’t walk much, but his ability to hit for a respectable average and provide solid power make him an asset to the lineup. He is also a renowned teammate who helps younger players and is a beloved clubhouse presence. He will be a free agent after this season.