KC Royals: Should The Royals Try To Retain The Core

Wade Davis: (32 years old)

Wade Davis went from player B in a trade to an elite closer in the MLB. Many fans will not want to see Davis leave because the past two years he has been a cornerstone of the team’s success. However, his advanced age begs the question: How he will avoid injury and how his skill set will hold up over the years?

The next two years will be huge for Davis. If he shows signs of regression, but maintains effectiveness, then the future holds promise and the Royals should consider retaining him. However, if he begins to struggle, then perhaps it would be best to install Herrera as the closer if that is the case.

Alcides Escobar: (31 years old)

The biggest reason why Escobar is at the bottom of the list is because one of the Royals top prospects, Raul Mondesi, plays shortstop.

Mondesi is expected to take over the position once he is ready and the space is available. Escobar’s defense should hold up as he ages, but his hitting and steals are largely based on speed which may falter as he ages.

However, if Mondesi takes hold at second base over the next two years then Escobar would make sense to bring back on a three or four year deal before age becomes too much of a factor. I don’t see Escobar as a highly touted free agent and so retaining him may be possible.

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