Detroit Tigers: Division Rival Trade Targets

Eduardo Escobar, Twins Utility Player

The Detroit Tigers need bench help, and utility player Eduardo Escobar could be the perfect addition.

Able to play third base, shortstop, second base and left field Escobar is controllable through 2018. However, he’s stuck behind Eduardo Nunez at shortstop. What’s more, Minnesota employs two other players in Miguel Sano and Danny Santana, who also can play multiple positions, lessening the need for Escobar on the Twins bench.

On the season, Escobar is batting .259 with 22 RBI, eight doubles, three home runs and two triples. From 2014 to 2015, the 27-year-old averaged 48 RBI, 33 doubles, nine home runs, three triples and two stolen bases in 130 games per season while hitting .268 with a .312 on-base percentage.

Basically, he’s everything the Tigers were looking for when they signed Mike Aviles.

Escobar would be an upgrade to Aviles offensively, while still bringing the same positional flexibility. What’s more, he’s controllable, so Detroit could be getting a semi-regular contributor for the next two-and-a-half seasons.

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Considering he’s a bench piece for the Twins, Escobar may be easier to acquire than everyday players like Lawrie or Nunez. Detroit could conceivably get a deal done without having to dip into the team’s better mid-level prospects like Jose Azocar, Gerson Moreno and Paul Voelker.