Diamondbacks Acquire Eduardo Escobar From Twins For 3 Prospects

Image credit: Eduardo Escobar (Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)

The Diamondbacks, who are challenging the Dodgers for the National League West title and are just a half-game back of the Braves for the second Wild Card spot, bolstered their lineup on Friday by acquiring middle infielder Eduardo Escobar from the Twins in exchange for three high-ceiling, low-level prospects.

Escobar, who is a free agent after the season, is in the middle of a career year and leads the major leagues with 37 doubles. He’s also posted a career-best .852 OPS through the season’s first two-thirds, and he has the versatility to play at multiple positions on the infield. That’s of increased significance considering third baseman Jake Lamb suffered an injury to his shoulder earlier this week. 

DIAMONDBACKS ACQUIRE:

Eduardo Escobar, IF
Age: 29

Escobar is in the middle of a breakout year at just the right time. The Twins, who reportedly were torn between buying and selling at this deadline, were able to sell high on a player who is a free agent next year. A switch-hitter, Escobar hits for considerably more power from the left side, but has an identical .338 on-base percentage from both sides of the plate. He’ll add offense and defensive versatility as the D-Backs make their push toward the postseason.

TWINS ACQUIRE:

Jhoan Duran, RHP
Age: 20

Duran ranked No. 10 on BA’s revamped D-Backs Top 10 Prospects list, on the strength of his big-time arsenal. He’s coveted for his size, projectability and arm strength. His four-seam fastball reaches into the upper 90s and has peaked at 98 mph this season, and he’s also shown a two-seam fastball in the low 90s that has flashed plus at low Class A Kane County. He has feel to spin his curveball, but the pitch still needs further refinement to keep hitters from picking it up early. His changeup is well below-average. 

Gabriel Maciel, OF
Age: 19

A Brazilian outfielder whom Arizona signed two years ago, Maciel is a touch undersized but has shown the ability to spray the ball around the park. Even so, scouts see well below-average power with plus speed. He plays an average center field right now, but with his speed has a chance to develop into an above-average defender.

Ernie De La Trinidad, OF
Age: 22

The D-Backs’ 19th-rounder out of UNLV in 2017, De La Trinidad has plenty of power for a player listed at just 5-foot-9 and 165 pounds. His eight home runs are second on Kane County, behind only Jazz Chisholm, who ranked No. 3 on BA’s Midseason Top 10. He plays hard and gets the most out of his ability, but there is no single carrying tool on his card and he does not project as a big league regular.