Red Sox Trade Deadline Targets: 5 bats who can smash left-handed pitching
By Sean Penney
Eduardo Escobar
Eduardo Escobar is having a breakout season with the Arizona Diamondbacks, hitting .282 with a .889 OPS and 17 home runs. The switch-hitting infielder still struggles against right-handers though, as he has throughout his career.
Escobar’s slash line remains high because of how great he’s been against lefties, posting a .388 average, 1.153 OPS, .473 wOBA and 194 wRC+ against them this season. He ranks no lower than seventh in the majors in each of those categories and his batting average ranks third.
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He’s not going to supplant Rafael Devers at third or Xander Bogaerts at shortstop but Escobar could occasionally fill in at either position while also providing capable defense at second. He can also play a corner outfield spot in a pinch.
It’s unclear if Arizona would consider dealing Escobar after they traded for him in the middle of last season and quickly rewarded him with a three-year extension in October. He’s signed for a reasonable $7.16 million in each of the next two seasons. The Diamondbacks weren’t really expected to contend yet they are currently only 2.5 games out of a playoff spot.
Escobar is arguably the top bat on this list when it comes to hitting lefties but he may be the least attainable given his contract, emergence as a darkhorse All-Star candidate, and Arizona’s surprising standing in the Wild Card race.