The Royals satisfied their search for a backup shortstop today, bringing back former Royals favorite Yuniesky Betancourt with a one-year contract. Terms are not yet disclosed. Betancourt, who played with the team from 2009-2010, hit .252/.271/.381 with 13 HR and 68 RBI last year for the Brewers, good for 0.5 Wins Above Replacement (per Fangraphs).
The 29-year old Betancourt hit .253/.282/.384 in 222 games with the Royals after being acquired for pitchers Dan Cortes and Derrick Saito. He was dealt just over one year ago to the Brewers with Zack Greinke in exchange for outfielder Lorenzo Cain, shortstop Alcides Escobar, and pitchers Jake Odorizzi and Jeremy Jeffress.
This could be the prelude to a major deal. You never know with Dayton. He is crafty like a fox.