Five months ago, the Royals signaled to former top prospect Adalberto Mondesi they weren’t ready to hand him the starting job at shortstop. They signed Alcides Escobar to a one-year contract, assured by the 31-year-old’s durability and Gold Glove-caliber defense.
Plans have changed. The Royals’ offense has under-performed. There’s little point letting Mondesi, who turns 23 next month, continue his development in the minor leagues when he’ll be out of options next year.
As such, Mondesi has made three major-league starts at his natural position — one he handles with dexterity and nimbleness — since being recalled from Class AAA Omaha on June 17.