Free agency MLB: Mets, Eduardo Escobar agree to terms on two-year, $20 million contract, according to report

NS New York Mets agreed to the terms of a two-year contract with the veteran midfielder Eduardo Escobar, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports. Heyman adds that the deal will pay Escobar a total of $20 million, pending.

Entering the season, Escobar, who turned 33 in January, was placed 45th on our top 50 free agents list. He is a better offensive player than lefties, and he is capable of playing all four positions on the field. He’s probably the best at second base. Last season, Escobar reached a total of 28 home runs for Diamondbacks and Brewer and became an All-Star team for the first time.

During 11 major league seasons, Escobar had a career kill of .256 / .309 / .436 (99 OPS +) with 20 home runs over 162 games played. Escobar calculates to provide Mets depth in multiple locations on the field and provides the option for a semi-regular duty on second base in the event the Mets fail to bring back Javier Báez.

The Mets team under new GM Billy Eppler has a lot of work to do in the rotation, so the addition of Escobar certainly isn’t any kind of signature move this season. It’s potentially a bit confusing, though, as the Escobar helps their depth considerably and gives them some highlights, all at a very reasonable rate.