Ranking every relevant Blue Jays offseason signing (so far)

5. Eduardo Escobar

As one of our previously suggested reclamation projects for the Jays to pursue, veteran Eduardo Escobar was also inked to a minor league contract with an invite to spring training. However, unlike his power-hitting counterpart, Escobar has a slightly better chance of making the team given his past consistency. During his 13-year MLB career, he has hit 20 or more home runs six times and has registered over 60 RBI seven times.

More importantly, Escobar is just three years removed from his All-Star season in 2021 when he hit .253 with a .786 OPS, along with 77 runs scored, 26 doubles, 28 home runs and 90 RBI in 146 games played. However, he put up some of his worst numbers of his career last year when he batted .226 with a .613 OPS, with just 32 runs scored, 6 doubles, 6 home runs and 31 RBI in 99 games played split between the Mets and Angels.

With the ability to play multiple positions, if Escobar can find his prior form once again this spring training, he can potentially challenge for a spot on the Jays’ 26-man roster for 2024. In addition, the fact he can hit from both sides of the plate with some pop, along with being a consistent run producer throughout his career, he could play well for the Jays. However, if Father Time has indeed caught up to him already and that he is, in fact, on the decline - his stint with the team may end up lasting only this spring as it’s unlikely he will accept a minor league assignment.