AL Central Notes: Escobar’s option, White Sox coaching changes

Kansas City will exercise shortstop Alcides Escobar’s club option for next season, according to Today’s Knuckleball’s Jon Heyman.

The option is worth $6.5 million and at 29, Escobar had a productive 2016 campaign with the Royals. Over 162 games, he batted .261/.292/.350 with seven home runs and 55 RBIs.

Though Escobar hasn’t been a consistent offensive contributor, he is a plus defender and has proven to be a valuable asset on the basepaths. Escobar will serve as the club’s starting shortstop again next year while Raul Mondesi prepares to take over in 2018.

More from around the American League Central:

• Mike Napoli doesn’t matchup well against the Blue Jays, but that shouldn’t put much more pressure on the Indians’ lineup.

• There are quite a few reasons the Tigers missed the playoffs, and bullpen struggles might be at the top of the list.

• The Royals need a productive leadoff hitter more than casual fans might realize.

• Since Joe Mauer’s time as Minnesota’s catcher came to an end, the club has struggled to find a consistent backstop.

• The White Sox made several internal coaching changes, which means more changes might be coming.