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Here’s the Minnesota Twins best strategy at the trade deadline

By Brad Berreman

MILWAUKEE, WI - JULY 04: Eduardo Escobar #5 of the Minnesota Twins hits a home run in the ninth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on July 4, 2018 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WI - JULY 04: Eduardo Escobar #5 of the Minnesota Twins hits a home run in the ninth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on July 4, 2018 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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Mandatory Credit: Lawrence Iles- Getty Images)
Mandatory Credit: Lawrence Iles- Getty Images) /

1. 3B Eduardo Escobar

Escobar is hitting just .118 (6-for-51) over his last 15 games, which has mostly coincided with when he was hit on the elbow by a pitch on June 21. But he is still doing very well at the plate this season, with a .274/.331/.524 slash-line, 13 home runs, 50 RBI and a major league-leading 34 doubles. After hitting 21 home runs and driving in 73 last year, Escobar has hit a relative prime as an offensive player in his age-28 and 29 seasons.

Escobar also adds value with great versatility. He has started 20 games at shortstop for the Twins this year, with 282 starts there in his career, and he has played some second base and outfield as well. He has even been Minnesota’s emergency catcher in recent years, and he logged an inning behind the plate in 2017.

Next: MLB Trade Rumors: One player each team is likely to deal

For the teams that don’t do enough to acquire Manny Machado, and will be left with a void to fill on the left side of the infield, Escobar would be a worthy consolation prize. He’s also on an expiring contract, at less than $4.9 million for this year. So taking on the remainder of his salary would be a cheaper proposition, even beyond the cost in prospects it will take to get Machado from the Orioles. This may be the peak of Escobar’s value, especially if his recent struggles become a longer (injury-hampered?) trend, so the Twins have to act.

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