On November 19, 2012, Escobar was traded to the Miami Marlins along with Adeiny Hechavarria, Henderson Álvarez, Jeff Mathis, Jake Marisnick, Anthony DeSclafani, and Justin Nicolino, in exchange for Mark Buehrle, Josh Johnson, José Reyes, John Buck, and Emilio Bonifacio.
The Marlins then traded him to the Tampa Bay Rays on December 4, 2012 for Derek Dietrich.

On September 26, 2013, Escobar became the last batter to ever face Mariano Rivera, popping out to second baseman Robinson Cano.
On April 5, 2014, Escobar signed a two-year extension worth $13 million with the Rays.
On November 19, 2012, Escobar was traded to the Miami Marlins along with Adeiny Hechavarria, Henderson Álvarez, Jeff Mathis, Jake Marisnick, Anthony DeSclafani, and Justin Nicolino, in exchange for Mark Buehrle, Josh Johnson, José Reyes, John Buck, and Emilio Bonifacio. The Marlins then traded him to the Tampa Bay Rays on December 4, 2012 for Derek Dietrich. 
On September 26, 2013, Escobar became the last batter to ever face Mariano Rivera, popping out to second baseman Robinson Cano. On April 5, 2014, Escobar signed a two-year extension worth $13 million with the Rays.
Yunel Escobar