Eduardo Escobar, a Venezuelan infielder, began his Major League Baseball career with the Chicago White Sox. Initially signed as an amateur free agent in 2006, he worked his way through the minor leagues, making his MLB debut on September 2, 2011. During his time with the White Sox, Escobar played in a limited number of games, primarily serving as a backup infielder.
In July 2012, Escobar was traded to the Minnesota Twins as part of a deal for pitcher Francisco Liriano. This move marked a turning point in his career, as he gradually earned more playing time with the Twins. Over the next few seasons, Escobar developed into a reliable player, known for his defensive versatility and ability to play multiple infield positions, including shortstop, third base, and second base.
Escobar's breakout season came in 2014 when he became the Twins' regular shortstop. That year, he posted a .275 batting average with 35 doubles, six home runs, and 37 RBIs. His performance solidified his role as a key player in the Twins' infield. In the following years, Escobar continued to be a consistent presence in the lineup, contributing both offensively and defensively.
The 2017 season saw Escobar achieve career highs in home runs and RBIs, hitting 21 homers and driving in 73 runs. His power surge continued into 2018, when he hit 15 home runs and recorded 63 RBIs in just 97 games with the Twins. However, in July 2018, Escobar was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for three minor league prospects. This trade came as the Twins were looking to rebuild, while the Diamondbacks were in contention for a playoff spot.
With the Diamondbacks, Escobar continued to excel, finishing the 2018 season with a combined total of 23 home runs and 84 RBIs. In 2019, he had one of the best seasons of his career, hitting 35 home runs and driving in 118 runs, while also leading the league in triples with 10. His performance earned him a Silver Slugger Award nomination and solidified his reputation as a power-hitting infielder.
Escobar's time with the Diamondbacks continued until July 2021, when he was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers. The Brewers acquired him to bolster their infield depth as they made a push for the playoffs. Escobar played a crucial role in helping the Brewers secure the National League Central division title, contributing with his bat and glove.
Throughout his career, Escobar was known for his infectious energy and positive attitude, traits that endeared him to teammates and fans alike. His ability to adapt to different roles and positions made him a valuable asset to every team he played for. As of the end of the 2021 season, Escobar's career statistics included a .256 batting average, 138 home runs, and 536 RBIs, reflecting his steady production over the years.
Eduardo Escobar's journey in Major League Baseball is a testament to his perseverance and adaptability.
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