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2 takeaways from blockbuster Milwaukee Brewers trade for Eduardo Escobar

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With the MLB trade deadline less than 48 hours away, the first-place Milwaukee Brewers have struck gold in a blockbuster trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

After reports suggested a deal was imminent, Milwaukee announced on Wednesday that it has acquired All-Star infielder Eduardo Escobar from the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for prospects Cooper Hummel and Alberto Ciprian.

Milwaukee Brewers strike gold with Eduardo Escobar

milwaukee brewers acquire eduardo escobar
Jul 18, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Eduardo Escobar (5) celebrates with Josh Rojas (10) after hitting a home run against the Chicago Cubs in the eighth inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

This is a pretty major trade for Brewers general manager Matt Arnold as they attempt to maintain their standing atop the National League Central hierarchy.

Escobar, 32, is in the midst of one of his most-productive seasons. The infielder has hit 22 homers while driving in 65 runs in 98 games this season. While he’s batting a mere .246, this is good enough for him to earn his first ever All-Star appearance.

What makes this trade even more notable from a Milwaukee Brewers perspective is the fact that Escobar provides them flexibility in the infield. He’s started 48 games at third base this season and 26 games at second base.

Despite boasting a 59-42 record heading into Wednesday’s action, these two positions have been a concern for the Milwaukee Brewers. Regular second baseman Kolten Wong has missed substantial time this season due to a calf injury. Third baseman Travis Shaw is currently on the 60-day disabled list. That’s where Escobar will see a bulk of his action on the infield dirt.

Arizona Diamondbacks get back prospects in blockbuster trade

Neither Hummel or Ciprian were ranked among the Brewers’ top-30 prospects at the time of the trade. An 18th-round pick back in 2016, the 26-year-old Hummel is currently playing Triple-A ball for Nashville. He’s hitting .254 with six homers and 15 RBI in 46 games

Meanwhile, Ciprian might be the centerpiece in this package. The 18-year-old infielder is currently playing Dominican Summer League ball, and is hitting .378 with eight RBI in 12 games. This trade goes to show you that rental bats are not providing rebuilding teams with a ton of value in return. Of course, that’s if you’re not doing business with the Oakland Athletics.

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