Champion Royals exercise options on Davis, Escobar

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The World Series champion Kansas City Royals kept on shaping their roster for next season on Thursday, exercising an $8 million option on All-Star closer Wade Davis and $5.25 million option on All-Star shortstop Alcides Escobar.

The Royals also declined a $3 million option on outfielder Jonny Gomes, one day after learning All-Star outfielder Alex Gordon had declined his player option and choosing not to exercise options on aging outfielder Alex Rios and unproductive starter Jeremy Guthrie.

General manager Dayton Moore indicated Thursday the Royals are interested in signing Gordon and free agent Ben Zobrist.

There was no question that Davis and Escobar will be part of the 2016 team.

After a starring turn as a setup man, Davis took over as the closer when Greg Holland required Tommy John surgery. He wound up saving four games in the playoffs, and recorded the final out in the 12th inning of Game 5 against the New York Mets to wrap up the World Series.

Holland will likely miss all of next season, which means Davis — who has a $10 million option for 2017 with a $250,000 buyout — will go into spring training as the closer.

Escobar was MVP of the AL Championship Series, and proved to be a sparkplug when he returned to the top of the lineup late in the season. He hit an inside-the-park homer to lead off Game 1 of the World Series, helping propel the Royals to their first championship since 1985.

While he hit just .257 with three homers and 47 RBIs, Escobar also played marvelous defense, and could win his first Gold Glove when the results are revealed next week.

The Royals have a team option worth $6.5 million with him for the 2017 season, too.