Kelly Crump profiled for Evening Standard
4 years ago
Venezuela Eduardo Escobar has forged a notable career in Major League Baseball, transitioning from a utility infielder to an All-Star third baseman, known for his consistent offensive production and positive clubhouse presence.
The New York Mets signed Esocbar to a two year, $20 million deal ahead of the 2022 season. He had a disappointing first year in Queens, hitting .240/.295/.430 with 20 home runs and 69 RBI. He would later be traded to the Los Angeles Angels.
The Blue Jays added another chair to an already crowded table, signing veteran infielder Eduardo Escobar to a Minor League deal with an invitation to MLB Spring Training. He was later released.
Eduardo supports the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation and Chase. Through this partnership, they have provided support for various community initiatives and causes.
Escobar has a well-documented fondness for the Brazilian steakhouse Fogo de Chão. He frequently visits the restaurant and even proposed to his wife there. On the tenth anniversary of his major league debut, the business donated $10,000 to his charity.
Escobar was barely 17 when the White Sox signed him for a $25,000 bonus in January 2006. Five years later, he was rated Chicago's No. 5 prospect by Baseball America.
Eduardo José Escobar was born on January 5, 1989, in La Pica, Venezuela. Growing up in challenging circumstances, he left school in the eighth grade to work various manual labor jobs, contributing to his family’s income alongside his single mother and four siblings. His early life experiences instilled in him a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for the opportunities baseball provided. Escobar’s professional career began on January 28, 2006, when he signed with the Chicago White Sox as an amateur free agent. He steadily progressed through their minor league system, eventually making his MLB debut with the White Sox on September 2, 2011, at the age of 22.
After his initial call-up, Escobar played in nine games for the White Sox in 2011. In 2012, he was part of the 25-man roster as a utility infielder. On July 28, 2012, he was traded to the Minnesota Twins, where he began to establish himself as a versatile and valuable player. Over seven seasons with the Twins, Escobar developed his skills, setting career high numbers in 2017 with 21 home runs and 73 RBIs. His tenure with the Twins also saw him sign a one-year, $2.6 million contract for the 2017 season. He then moved to the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2018, where he continued to demonstrate offensive power and defensive reliability.
With the Arizona Diamondbacks, Escobar signed a three-year, $21 million contract on October 23, 2018. The 2019 season was a career highlight, as he hit 35 home runs, drove in 118 RBIs, and led the majors with 10 triples, earning him increased recognition. He was selected for the 2021 Major League Baseball All-Star Game, a significant milestone in his career. Following stints with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2021 and the New York Mets from 2022 to 2023, where he hit for the cycle on June 6, 2022—the 11th player in Mets history to do so—he joined the Los Angeles Angels in June 2023. In February 2024, he signed a minor league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays before joining the Centauros de La Guaira in the Venezuelan Major League in 2025. Escobar also became a naturalized U.S. citizen in June 2023, reflecting his long-standing commitment to his adopted country.
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