Kansas City Royals Bring Back Key Piece In Alex Gordon

The Kansas City Royals get their guy, agreeing to a 4-year contract with outfielder Alex Gordon.

By William Chase

Just a few months removed from their first World Series title in 30 years, the Kansas City Royals are bringing back a familiar face who helped achieve that.

Three-time All Star Alex Gordon returns to the World Series champion Royals on a four-year, $72 million deal. https://t.co/1OupEkryG2

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 6, 2016

Outfielder Alex Gordon, back on a 4-year $72 million contract—the richest in Royals’ history—solidifies a key fixture in the lineup, and in left field. The 31-year-old, limited to 104 games due to a groin injury, compiled a 2015 batting slash of .271/.377/.432 with 13 home runs, 48 RBI.

In the playoffs, Gordon hit .241/.349/.426, though Royals’ fans will remember his 9th inning clutch home run which tied Game 1.

Who knows, if not for Gordon, the series could have completely swung a different way for a Mets team who was red-hot and seemingly on their way to a Game 1 win.

For his career, Alex Gordon is .269/.348/.783 with 134 home runs  in nine seasons. He’s averaged nearly 18 homers a season the last five years, and is among the premier defenders of his time, finishing No. 1 among all MLB outfielders with 17 assists in 2013.

While Gordon might not be the flashiest players in baseball, this is a fair contract for a ballplayer who plays the game hard and smart.

The Kansas City Royals will remain better for having Gordon patrolling left field.

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