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.
