How Many All-Stars For Kansas City Royals?

Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

When the 2013 season wrapped up, by nearly every measurement, Alcides Escobar was the worst offensive player in the American League. So to say it’s a surprise that he’s currently fourth in the American League in doubles with 23, is an understatement.

We all know that Escobar is a great defensive shortstop, although defensive metrics seem to love him far less than the naked eye does. His offensive output,  however, has been a surprise in 2014. He’s currently hitting a career best .296 with two home runs and 28 RBI. His on-base percentage is at .337, some 38 points higher than his career average. His WAR of 2.1 ranks him fifth in all of baseball for shortstops.

Derek Jeter will obviously earn the fan vote in his final season, and rightfully so. But Escobar certainly deserves a look at being one of his replacements in the All-Star Game. His main competition will be from Erick Aybar, J.J. Hardy and Alexei Ramirez.

Escobar’s odds: 12/1