3 players who deserve to be on the Mets roster more than Eduardo Escobar right now

Apr 18, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; New York Mets third baseman Eduardo Escobar (10) strikes
Apr 18, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; New York Mets third baseman Eduardo Escobar (10) strikes / Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
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The New York Mets are trending toward a breakup with Eduardo Escobar. He is playing a lot less. In what many already suspected would be his last year with the team ahead of a team option for 2024, it could be over before we get our first summer electric bill and call a family meeting to discuss proper air conditioner protocol.

The leash on Escobar’s time in New York is tightening. Now relegated to a start only occasionally whenever the Mets face a lefty pitcher, Brett Baty’s hot start has made him a pricy bench piece. Due to some poor roster construction around him, he’s not all that useful in this role. Escobar’s bat does most of his talking. It has been quiet for most of 2023. He's hitting .159/.206/.365 in a not nice first 69 plate appearances.

Taking a peek down in the minor leagues, these three players look like they’re more deserving of a roster spot than Escobar right now.

1) Mark Vientos deserves to be on the NY Mets roster more than Eduardo Escobar

Mark Vientos is raking in Triple-A. The Mets are an injury to a position player away from calling him up. It might not matter much who gets hurt. As long as they have a replacement in the starting lineup, the Mets should consider Vientos for a promotion the moment a roster spot clears up.

Vientos, somewhat conveniently, actually fits quite well as a future roster replacement for Escobar. A former third base prospect who is looking more like a first baseman or even a DH would essentially take on the same role Escobar has right now except he probably wouldn’t play third base at all. This would mean Baty gets every opportunity possible at the position with maybe Vientos only finding his way over there in an emergency situation.

If we remove Escobar from the roster, Vientos becomes a logical fit as the right-handed DH. The downside to this is it means he’s starting only occasionally over Daniel Vogelbach. The Mets could always squeeze Vientos into left field over Mark Canha every once in a while, too.

Why isn’t Vientos replacing Escobar right now? The man has no real position. Aside from the obvious disinterest from the front office to cut ties with Escobar prematurely, Vientos’ limited glove is why he’s hanging out in Syracuse.

2) Ronny Mauricio deserves to be on the NY Mets roster more than Eduardo Escobar

Ronny Mauricio is in a much different situation than Vientos. Now learning to play new positions other than shortstop, his blazing bat could lead to a promotion to the big leagues this season. In fact, it definitely should. Striking now while his bat is hot is something the Mets would be wise to do.

Some of the same roster issues are getting in the way for Mauricio to make the Mets. The only conceivable player to demote at this point for him to replace would be Luis Guillorme. It’s actually not too outrageous. Guillorme hasn’t hit well this year. A solid utility infielder, Mauricio is an offensive spark the Mets may want to try out instead. This becomes especially true if starting spot in the field opens up. Jeff McNeil could always cover either corner outfield spot for a good length of time. This moves Mauricio to the major leagues to play second base regularly and get in some early licks.

The increase in power from Mauricio’s bat has helped make him one of the most relevant Mets prospects again. It was looking like Baty and others had passed him by. A strong year in 2022 and an even better start in 2023 one level higher have helped to remind us all why Mauricio has stayed put with this organization even with Francisco Lindor blocking him at shortstop.

In a lot of ways, Mauricio is a far better fit for the roster right now than Escobar. Far more athletic at his age and only getting better, he may actually be the man to force the Mets to do something about their veteran third baseman.

The Mets actually did send Carlos Beltran to Syracuse for a closer look at Mauricio and Vientos. Will he greenlight the project?

3) Danny Mendick deserves to be on the NY Mets roster more than Eduardo Escobar

The least exciting choice on this list, Danny Mendick is having a good year down in Triple-A. No, he isn’t a prospect. He’s not even putting together a massively productive year like Vientos or Mauricio. He’s playing well and doing all of the little things the Mets would want out of the veteran utility man.

Having Mendick on the Mets roster certainly makes more sense than Escobar riding the pine. Mendick has some speed but more well-known is how he can play anywhere. For a team with a bench with its limitations, having Mendick on the roster is better than Escobar.

Something else to consider is how Mendick has spent all of his career as a part-time player. How effective will Escobar even be starting two or three times a week? Mendick is a guy who has performed well in the past coming off the bench. While there isn’t any specific tool like power, speed, or remarkable defense, he’d allow Buck Showalter more creativity late in games. He’d be a potential pinch runner for Daniel Vogelbach and a reliable enough hitter to keep in the game for an at-bat if needed later on.

The Mets are sure to never DFA Escobar in favor of having Mendick on the MLB roster. It doesn’t change the fact that he’s far more deserving right now.

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