Nationals release veteran infielder Alcides Escobar

The Washington Nationals placed Alcides Escobar on unconditional release waivers, according to Jesse Dougherty of the Washington Post. Escobar’s release clears room on the team’s 40-man roster for incoming first baseman/designated hitter Luke Voit.

The Nationals acquired Voit on Tuesday in the Juan Soto trade. If Escobar clears waivers, he’ll become a free agent. At the age of 35, Escobar will be trying to latch onto another MLB team. However, the most likely path is the veteran landing a minor-league contract.

Washington acquired Escobar in July of 2021 in a trade with the Kansas City Royals. When Escobar made his debut with the Nationals, it was his first MLB game in three years.

Last season, Escobar filled in for an injured Trea Turner. Then he slotted into the primary shortstop role after Turner was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

In 75 games in 2021, Escobar hit .288/.340/.404 with four home runs and 28 RBI in 349 plate appearances. He re-signed with the Nationals this season but struggled to duplicate his success from the previous year.

Escobar played in 40 games this season, making 131 plate appearances. He hit .218/.260/.282 with eight RBI, five walks and 32 strikeouts.

A hamstring injury put him on the injured list in June. When he was activated to return to the active roster, Escobar found himself looking for a role to carve out. Washington promoted 22-year old Luis Garcia and pegged him as the everyday shortstop.

As a result, Escobar was sparingly used. He appeared in seven games since June 28, two of which were as a pitcher.

The Nationals acquired 23-year old shortstop C.J. Abrams as part of their massive haul in the Juan Soto/Josh Bell trade. With Abrams’ eventual call-up, the Nationals will have the middle infield shored up along with Garcia.

Washington will most likely slide 32-year old veteran Cesar Hernandez behind the combo of Abrams and Garcia. With being a young, rebuilding team, there isn’t room for too many veterans. Thus, Escobar became the odd man out.