10:44pm: Escobar and the Jays have reached an agreement on a contract, pending a physical, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post (on X). The deal’s terms have yet to be disclosed. Escobar is represented by DJ Rengifo y Associates.
9:55 p.m.: According to Robert Murray of FanSided, infielder Eduardo Escobar is close to reaching an agreement with the Blue Jays on a free agent deal. It’s unclear whether the former All-Star is closing up on a big league contract or a small league deal with a non-roster invite to Spring Training.
Escobar, 35, is coming off a poor 2023 season. He started the season as the Mets’ third baseman, but he struggled throughout. Escobar maintained a.125/.173/.229 line until the middle of April and Brett Baty took over as starter. The 13-year MLB veteran improved in a depth position but appeared to be out of place on the New York team once Baty was recalled.In late June, the Angels traded for Escobar and two minor league pitchers. He struggled offensively, posting a.219/.259/.303 slash in 59 games. The Halos made the obvious decision to buy him out for $500K at the end of the year rather than retain him with a $9MM team option.