In the past few days, the Blue Jays made a couple of small moves, signing INF Eduardo Escobar and 1B/DH Daniel Vogelbach to minor-league contracts. Both signings come with an invite to Spring Training.
INF Eduardo Escobar
Escobar, 35, is coming off a rough campaign where he hit .226 and put up a dismal .270 OBP between the Mets and the Angels. As someone who hit 20 or more home runs every year since 2017 (excluding the shortened season in 2020), Eduardo’s power disappeared last season. Hitting only 6 home runs in 2023, the vet’s offensive game fell off badly.
Signed to a minor-league deal, Eduardo does not currently occupy a spot on the Blue Jays’ 40-man roster, though will require one if he makes the team. Additionally, if he does make the opening-day roster, a corresponding move will be required, where a player currently on the 40-man will be removed to accommodate Escobar.
Photo via Ronald Martinez (Getty Images)
1B/DH Daniel Vogelbach
Vogelbach, who was a brief Blue Jay in 2020, hit 13 home runs last season along with owning a solid .743 OPS with the Mets. Also signed to a minor-league deal, Vogelbach will require a spot on the 40-man roster if he makes the team out of camp, which wouldn’t be surprising. Daniel would provide the Blue Jays with a power bat off the bench, who can play first base if needed, albeit he did not appear in a game at the position last season. It’s worth mentioning the Blue Jays have not announced the signing yet, as Vogelbach’s deal will only become official when he passes his physical.
Photo via Adam Hunger (Getty Images)
One thing is certain, the Blue Jays will not suffer if Escobar and Vogelbach perform badly in Spring Training. These signings are supposed to be risk-free with some upside. If they work out, great! If they don't, Ross Atkins and co won't struggle to sleep at night.
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