The Washington Nationals are bringing back 34-year old Alcides Escobar for the 2022 season. The club announced Escobar was signing a one-year deal to return. According to Jon Heyman, the deal is worth $1 million.
Washington acquired him in a trade from the Kansas City Royals on July 3 for cash considerations. At the time Escobar’s career had sputtered playing in the minors at the age 34.
He spent 2020 playing in Japan. He hadn’t played in the majors since 2018. However, in the final three months of the season, Escobar emerged as a reliable bat and glove in the infield
In 75 games, he hit .288/.340/.404 with four home runs, 28 RBIs, and 53 runs scored. It was his best season since he was an All-Star in 2015, guiding the Royals to a World Series championship.
Bringing back Escobar gives the Nationals options to consider. Escobar could be the ideal stopgap shortstop next season. If the Nationals get aggressive during free agency and land a shortstop, Escobar could be a quality utility infielder.
