Alcides Escobar, Kansas City Royals Sign Contract Extension

Earlier this offseason, the Kansas City Royals locked up one of their young, core players in catcher Salvador Perez.  Yesterday, the Royals reached an agreement with another promising position player, shortstop Alcides Escobar.

The Royals and Escobar signed a four-year contract extension that, according to Bob Dutton of The Kansas City Star, will pay the 25-year-old a guaranteed $10.5 million.  Beyond that, Escobar’s new deal includes two club option years that, if exercised, would increase the total value of the contract to $21.75 million.

The Royals acquired Escobar in the trade that sent starting pitcher Zack Greinke to the Milwaukee Brewers.  In his first season with Kansas City, Escobar performed as most expected.  Though he doesn’t offer much with the bat (career line of .252/.294/.339), Escobar is a fantastic fielder and hasn’t hurt his club on the base paths.

In 2011, Escobar hit at a clip of .254/.290/.343 with 32 extra base hits, 69 runs scored and 26 stolen bases.

While Escobar showed an ability to hit for more power and get on base at a higher clip in the upper minors, most feel his glove is going to overshadow his prowess at the plate.  This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as the youngster’s fielding abilities helped earn him an fWAR of 2.2 in 2011 despite his lackluster performance at the dish.

For more on the Royals, be sure to check out Kings of Kauffman.

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