Kansas City Royals: Alcides Escobar’s streak to end

Alcides Escobar made 406 starts in a row as the Kansas City Royals shortstop. With Adalberto Mondesi getting the call up, Ned Yost wants to give him some Major League experience at his position.

Adalberto Mondesi is a good young player within the Kansas City Royals organization. Though Escobar held the longest active streak of any player in the MLB, it isn’t like he will be confined to the bench while not at shortstop.

Ned Yost has been quoted saying that Escobar may spend time at second, third, or in center field. In light of Jorge Soler’s toe injury and an already thin cast of outfielders, the move to the outfield makes sense.

Within Escobar’s career, he has spent a little time in the outfield, both in left and right. But, only for a total of 3 games out of his 1348 total games. If Yost sticks to his plan, Escobar would round out his outfield experience by playing in center.

Adalberto Mondesi

In Triple A with the Omaha Storm Chasers, Adalberto Mondesi was hitting .250 with five home runs and 21 RBIs. The 22 year old is more than deserving of a shot in the Majors. While that means taking some reps away from Escobar, it is necessary.

The Royals are in a prime position for a rebuild anyways, and they started the movement by trading away Kelvin Herrara. So, spending the season getting Mondesi accustomed to Major League ball is another step in the right direction.

Escobar’s Future

In January of 2018, Escobar signed just a one-year contract with the Kansas City Royals. Though this is his eighth season with the Royals, if a rebuild is in store, he may be headed out at the end of the season.

Next: Checking in on the lost free agents

He never seemed to be a fan favorite in KC. So, maybe phasing him out of the shortstop position slowly is the best way to go. Ultimately, the more experience Adalberto Mondesi gets this year, the better position the Kansas City Royals will be in for the future of the organization.