After plenty of speculation that he was heading elsewhere, Alex Gordon decided to return home, putting an end to those talks by agreeing to re-sign with the Kansas City Royals on a four-year deal. The outfielder's new contract is reportedly worth $72 million and includes a mutual option for the 2020 season.
The deal is still pending a physical, but if it stands, it will be the largest contract in franchise history. It tops the $55 million deals to both Mike Sweeney and Gil Meche.
The Royals are coming off their first World Series title since 1985, but many other teams seemed to be favored over KC to land Gordon. The Gold Glover cited his 10 years with the team and the city as to why he chose to stay.
Royals general manager Dayton Moore called Gordon one of the greatest players he's been around, calling him "a pillar of our clubhouse."
The left-fielder dealt with injuries last season, holding him to just 109 games, batting .271 with 13 homers and 48 RBIs. He is a career .269 batter in nine seasons, all with the Royals. He struggled in the postseason, hitting just .241 with two home runs, one of which was a game-tying shot in game 1 of the World Series against the New York Mets.
Gordon is a three-time All-Star and known most for his defense, winning four Gold Gloves, and is second in defensive runs saved since 2011. He declined his player option in November seeking more money, and was lucky enough to find that money from his career team.
The Royals have not made any big changes this off-season, but have all the confidence in defending their World Series title next season with the same team that won it all, now including Alex Gordon.
The deal is still pending a physical, but if it stands, it will be the largest contract in franchise history. It tops the $55 million deals to both Mike Sweeney and Gil Meche.
The Royals are coming off their first World Series title since 1985, but many other teams seemed to be favored over KC to land Gordon. The Gold Glover cited his 10 years with the team and the city as to why he chose to stay.
Royals general manager Dayton Moore called Gordon one of the greatest players he's been around, calling him "a pillar of our clubhouse."
The left-fielder dealt with injuries last season, holding him to just 109 games, batting .271 with 13 homers and 48 RBIs. He is a career .269 batter in nine seasons, all with the Royals. He struggled in the postseason, hitting just .241 with two home runs, one of which was a game-tying shot in game 1 of the World Series against the New York Mets.
Gordon is a three-time All-Star and known most for his defense, winning four Gold Gloves, and is second in defensive runs saved since 2011. He declined his player option in November seeking more money, and was lucky enough to find that money from his career team.
The Royals have not made any big changes this off-season, but have all the confidence in defending their World Series title next season with the same team that won it all, now including Alex Gordon.
