
Arizona Diamondbacks fans are celebrating after a big trade deal went through on Friday. The Minnesota Twins swapped infielder and switch hitter Eduardo Escobar with the Diamondbacks in exchange for outfielders Ernie De La Trinidad and Gabriel Maciel, as well as minor league right-handed pitcher Jhoan Duran.
Escobar is a standout 29-year-old who has spent seven seasons with the Twins. The Venezuelan native has hit .274 with 15 homers, 63 RBIs and an MLB-leading 37 doubles in 97 games this season. He’s known for his utility and versatility, having covered shortstop, second base and third base this year. Overall, in his eight seasons in the MLB, including his first year with the Chicago White Sox, Escobar has recorded a .256 average with 63 home runs and 287 RBIs.
The up-and-coming talent leaving Arizona for Minnesota includes 20-year-old Duran, who has gone 5-4 with a 4.73 ERA in 15 starts this season for Kane County in the Class-A Midwest League. He comes from the Dominican Republic, while 19-year-old teammate Maciel comes from Brazil. Maciel has appeared in 68 games for Kane County this year, averaging .287 with 10 doubles, one home run, 16 RBIs and 14 stolen bases.
Former UNLV player and 22-year-old Trinidad has played in 91 games this season for Kane County, hitting .311 with eight home runs and 56 RBIs. The Diamondbacks, Rockies and Dodgers are currently battling it out for top spot in the NL West.
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