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New York Mets rumors: Why there’s belief in Eduardo Escobar rebound year

By Kevin Henry |
Sep 28, 2022; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets third baseman Eduardo Escobar (10) celebrates his tenth inning game winning walkoff single against the Miami Marlins at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 28, 2022; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets third baseman Eduardo Escobar (10) celebrates his tenth inning game winning walkoff single against the Miami Marlins at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

After the offseason saga of the New York Mets coming to terms with Carlos Correa on a contract, then watching Correa sign a deal with the Minnesota Twins after medical questions arose, Mets fans are wondering about just how strong the team is at third base heading into the season. However, Mets executives reportedly are saying there is reason to believe that Eduardo Escobar will provide the team plenty of pop in 2023.

New York Mets rumors: Team confident in stronger year from Eduardo Escobar

According to Bob Nightengale in this USA Today article, the Mets “believe that third baseman Eduardo Escobar will have a much improved season after enduring family issues last season that left him emotionally spent by game time.” If that rebound happens, that would fill in one of the few weak spots on a New York roster that has been overhauled in a historic way this offseason as owner Steve Cohen looks for a way to not only knock the Atlanta Braves off the top spot in the National League East, but also get the Mets back to the World Series for the first time since 2015.

Last season, in 542 plate appearances, the 34-year-old Escobar slashed .240/.295/.430 with 20 home runs and 69 RBI. With a career slash line of .254/.308/.435 over 12 seasons, it’s clear that Escobar fell below expectations in his first season with the Mets after inking a two-year, $20 million deal.

With whatever family issues Escobar had last season (it’s been reported there were multiple family matters and Mets skipper Buck Showalter recently declined to discuss what those might be), they appear to be in the past. Escobar will take part in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, suiting up for Team Venezuela this March. Could the competitiveness of the WBC be a springboard for Escobar to use at the start of the season as well?

Mets make an interesting depth signing at first base. dark. Next

Mets fans were disappointed when Carlos Correa’s contract fell through. However, if Eduardo Escobar can indeed have a more productive season in 2023, it could solve the issues at third base that the Mets were trying to smooth over by signing Correa.

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