We assumed the Royals would pick up Escobar's option for 2017. Will they?
Alcides Escobar has played over 850 games at shortstop for the Royals, more than any other player but Fred Patek (1,216). He has been an All-Star, a Gold-Glove winner, and an ALCS MVP. He hit leadoff for a team that won 95 games and the World Series, and continues to hit in the #2 hole for a team in pennant contention. Escobar has a $6.5 million club option for next year, his age-30 season, an option that will almost certainly be picked up.