Royals sign Alcides Escobar to four-year extension

The Royals have signed shortstop Alcides Escobar to a four-year contract extension through 2015 with club options for 2016 and 2017. Escobar was eligible for arbitration for the first time following the 2012 season. The club options buy out two free agent years.

The 25-year old Escobar hit .254/.290/.343 with 4 HR and 46 RBI last season, his first with Kansas City after being acquired in the Zack Greinke trade. In 1288 Major League plate appearances, he has hit .252/.294/.339. He has been known for his flashy glove, and exhibiting some offensive prowess in the minor leagues, where he was named the #12 overall prospect in baseball by Baseball America before the 2010 season. The Royals continue their trend of locking up players, not in a cage in Dayton's basement, but to long-term deals to maintain the nucleus of this ballclub. But Royals fans continue to ask....

Y NO HOS?

EDIT: Four guaranteed years come up to $10.5 million, option years bring the total value to $21.75 million per Bob Dutton.