What are LA Angels plans for Yunel Escobar in 2017

With only a few weeks left in the MLB regular season, the LA Angels will have a tough decision concerning 3rd baseman Yunel Escobar on whether he should be traded or extended.

It’s been a rough season Angels fans. Currently, the Angels are tied with the Oakland Athletics for the worst record in the AL West at 66-86. 20 games under the .500 mark. But, with the end of the season comes optimism for next year in hopes that the Angels bounce back.

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Although it has been a rough season for the most part, the Angels have had some bright spots on a dark season. One bright spot is Yunel Escobar.

Coming over from a trade that would see relief pitcher Trevor Gott be shipped to the Washington Nationals, many fans believed the trade was a total head catcher because of the success that Gott was showing.

However, that move has made GM Billy Eppler look like a genius.

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In his first year with the Angels, Escobar has arguably been the Angels best hitter besides Mike Trout of course. As of right now, Escobar has a batting line of .311/.351/.737. Which is outstanding, especially for a leadoff hitter.

He’s been so impressive that many rumors developed during the all-star break on whether the Angels should have traded for him for potential prospects. Teams like the San Francisco Giants and New York Mets were both interested. But neither team could make out a deal.

But, now that the Angels season is all but done, should the Angels try and trade their starting 3rd baseman?

The Angels have, by far, the worst farm system in the league. Countless amounts of bad trades and transactions have left the Angel’s farm system baron and in need of prospects. Yunel could certainly bring a decent prospect or two that the Angels could work with. The Angels are in need of pitching prospects to help bolster their starting rotation as well as their bullpen.

Also, one of the Angels best prospects, Kaleb Cowart, could possibly take over the 3rd base position if the Angels do decide to trade Escobar. Cowart has always been a monster in the minor leagues but can never find a full time position in the majors due to his inconsistent play. Perhaps the 2017 season is the year that Cowart breaks out.

As we can see, there is an argument on why the Angels should trade Escobar. He offers prospects that the Angels can use and the Angels, potentially have a 3rd baseman waiting for his shot in Cowart.

But, the Angels shouldn’t trade Escobar.

Although he can have an attitude problem and his defense is suspect, Escobar offers too much to the Angels.

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First, as I mentioned earlier, Escobar is one of the best offensive players for the Halos. He has a consistent bat that the Angels need and his contract is not very punishing. This year, He is due to make $7 million which isn’t a whole lot of money compared to other 3rd baseman. He is also due another $7 million for next year as well.

Another reason why the Angels shouldn’t trade Escobar is because he fulfills the role of a lead off hitter. Being a consistent hitter that he is, getting on base as lead off creates many opportunities for other Angel’s power hitters like Trout and Pujols to bring him in. With fan favorite Erick Aybar being traded to the Atlanta Braves, it is nice to see that the Angels would find another, arguably better, lead off hitter in Escobar.

Lastly, who will the Angels find if they do trade him? I mentioned that Cowart can be an option, but Cowart has been inconsistent. He’s had multiple chances of being the starting 3rd baseman in the pass, but he hasn’t done much with those chances. Not only that, but it will shake the batting line up as well. Simmons could possibly be the new lead off hitter for the Angels but I don’t feel like he could fill the role like Escobar has. Besides Simmons, I can’t name another player who can fill that role.

The Angels have the worst farm system in the league and need players. However, Escobar offers too much to the ball club to trade him. So, what should they do? Trade him or extend him?

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