Locked Up: Alcides Escobar
According to the Royals Beat Writer for the KC Star Bob Dutton, the Royals and Alcides Escobar have agreed to an extension that runs through at least the 2015 season for $10.5 million guaranteed, with club options ($500K buyouts) for each of the 2016 and 2017 seasons, which effectively buy his first two free agent years. If both options are exercized by the club, the deal will add up to $21.75 million.
Photo Credit: John Sleezer
Here’s how it all breaks down:
2012: $1 million
2013,2014,2015: $3 million per
2016: $5.25 million Club Option ($500K buyout)
2017: $6.5 million Club Option ($500K buyout)
This deal is eerily similar to the Salvador Perez extension way back in February. GMDM must be one smooth talker, because he has now locked up two potential perennial Gold Glovers in Perez and Escobar.
2011 was Escobar’s first season with the Royals, as he was one of the pieces that came to Kansas City in the Greinke-Yuni trade. While he was a wizard with the glove, he did struggle a bit at times with the bat. Overall, he managed to hit .254 in 158 games with 33 (8 3B, 4 HR extra base hits, 46 RBI, 69 runs scored, and 26 SB. Escobar is a line-drive hitter capable of flashing a little bit of LF power. He doesn’t walk much, but he also keeps his K’s low too (25BB:73K in 2011). He put up a total WAR (Wins Above Replacement) of 2.0 last season.
As a Royals fan first and foremost, I’m all for this. Dayton Moore is doing a great job of beginning to lock up this young roster for the forseeable future. Now, Dayton, can you please resolve the Alex Gordon contract issue?
Oh yeah, lock up that Hosmer guy, too. He’s kind of good.
Pingback: 2012 Spring Training Recap « Royal Blues