Yep. They did it. Why did they do it? I don’t know. Veteran leadership or something silly? But I guess when you have a shortstop who has lost a step and has only had an OBP above .300 once in the last five years, you sort of have to do whatever you can to bring him back. On the plus side, Escobar does play a lot.
Let’s not dwell on Escobar because that’ll just make everyone sad. Let’s talk about what this means for the Royals. Escobar is likely going to play every day. I mean every single day. There are a few defensive alignments they can use. I’ve mentioned Whit Merrifield playing center field a few times, so he could be there with Mondesi at second. The Royals have mentioned Mondesi in center field a few times, so he could be there with Merrifield at second. Or maybe they play one at second and one at third. I guess. I don’t know.
They could trade Merrifield too, I guess. But I mentioned in Friday Notes that they have a bobblehead coming up which tells me they didn’t like any of the deals for him. Maybe they could give Mondesi more time in Triple-A. He could probably use some more development, but I also think it isn’t the worst thing to let him develop in the big leagues since they’re not expecting to contend.
Or maybe Escobar is coming back as a utility infielder. But enough jokes.
If you want my analysis, I’ll give you this: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Pitchers and catchers report soon. Catch the fever.
Have to believe Goins signing made Escobar realize he could go into spring training without a MLB contract and told his agent to sign for whatever Dayton offered.
That 2 yr- $8M demand became a 1 yr-$2.5M deal very fast.
FYI – 2 days since the deal was announced and still not finalized so still some questions about who or what is holding it up.
Last word. This does nothing to help the Royals get back into contention. In reality it only extends the mediocrity of the last two years. This is 100% a Dayton and Ned emotional decision and not a business decision in any shape or form.