Analyzing The Two Top-20 Prospects Mets acquired In Escobar Trade
The New York Mets sent Eduardo Escobar to the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for two right-handed minor league pitchers – Coleman Crow and Landon Marceaux. Escobar, who was a key player for the 101-win Mets last season, only saw 120 plate appearances with the Mets in 2023 after losing playing time to top prospect Brett Baty.
In return for the switch-hitting third baseman, one of the pitchers the Mets received was Crow, who has a previous connection to Mets GM Billy Eppler. Then the GM of the Angels, Eppler drafted Crow in the 28th round of the 2019 MLB draft out of Pike County High School in Zebulon, Georgia. Before being traded to New York, the six-foot right-hander had success in his limited appearances with the Angels AA affiliate, the Rocket City Trash Pandas. Across four starts and 24 innings pitched in 2023, Crow posted a 1.88 ERA, 0.625 WHIP, 31 strikeouts, and six walks before landing on the Injured List at the end of April due to inflammation in his right elbow.
The 22-year-old was listed 19th on the top 30 prospect list for the Angels organization this season. Known for his sharp-breaking pitches, Crow sports a curveball, slider, and a fastball that sits in the low 90s. It’s expected he’ll have some time to continue his development in the minors before being called up to compete at the major league level. Although he’s been limited by injury in 2023, he’s shown off his impressive stuff. In his first start of the season against the Chattanooga Lookouts, he did not allow any hits over six innings, while recording six strikeouts and two walks. On April 20, he recorded 12 strikeouts over six innings against the Biloxi Shuckers, allowing three earned runs.
Coleman Crow (No. 21 @Angels prospect) spun 6 no-hit frames for the @trashpandas. As for how the rest of the game went, you'll want to check this out: https://t.co/uvjyYiOk5o pic.twitter.com/IuxoD2etvn — MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) April 9, 2023
The other pitcher the Mets received was Marceaux, who was originally drafted by the New York Yankees in the 37th round of the 2018 MLB draft and decided to pitch for the LSU Tigers to build up his stock. After three years at LSU, he was then drafted by the Angels in the 3rd round of the 2021 draft. In 12 starts this season for the Trash Pandas, he’s posted a 4.88 ERA, 1.542 WHIP, 45 strikeouts, and 19 walks. He’s had an up-and-down minor league career to this point, but still, at 23 years of age, there’s time for improvement.
Maybe the Mets can unlock Marceaux’s ceiling as a prospect. In the month of June, the right-hander has struggled. He’s allowed 11 earned runs and 20 hits in his last 15 2/3 innings pitched. Despite his struggles, Marceaux has shown a plus curveball over his time with the Angels organization, but he will need to make a few strides forward before making an impact with the major league roster. It will be interesting to see if he shows improvement in his new organization.
Landon Marceaux, Filthy 82mph Breaking Ball 😷 10th K pic.twitter.com/Hcdcy4sHXX — Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) March 14, 2021
“Steve makes stuff like this happen because he’s willing to spend the money,” per MLB.com.
In order for the Mets to receive higher pedigree prospects from the Angles, Steve Cohen approved paying out Escobar’s remaining salary for 2023. Choosing more talent over money, Cohen has shown that even in a down year for his franchise, he is always willing to spend if it means improving the Mets roster.
“Steve makes stuff like this happen because he’s willing to spend the money,” per MLB.com.
This trade may take a few years to see the results one way or another, but the move makes sense when the Mets have prioritized developing Baty at third base, and have Mark Vientos and Ronny Mauricio knocking on the door of the major league roster. Due to the commitment to the Mets’ prospects, Escobar’s playing time dwindled with the Mets this year after helping the 2022 Mets achieve 101 wins. This deal has the potential to work out for Los Angeles and New York. At a minimum, it provides the Mets with starting pitching depth in the minors which they desperately need.
Source: metsmerizedonline.com
