Royals cornerstone, veteran LF Alex Gordon returns to Kansas City on a one-year deal
Signs have indicated for months that the Kansas City Royals and franchise cornerstone outfielder Alex Gordon would reunite for at least one more year. The sides signed a deal Wednesday that will keep the left fielder in a Royals uniform into his 14th major league season.
Gordon, who will turn 36 next month, reached an agreement on a one-year deal worth $4 million, according to a source. The club designated right-handed pitcher Heath Fillmyer for assignment to clear a roster for Gordon.
“Alex holds a special place in Royals history,” Royals general manager Dayton Moore said. “To be able to bring him back is a huge plus, not only for an organization but for our team in 2020. A Gold Glove left fielder, he represents everything you want to see in a championship-caliber baseball player.
“First and foremost, he’s an incredible teammate. He’s extremely committed to give his best effort each and every day. He’s an exceptional talent and also a player who loves our community and connects well with our fans.”
Gordon contemplated retirement this offseason and acknowledged last spring training that 2019 could be his final season.
He finished last season undecided about his future, but he’d said multiple times during the year that he didn’t want to play for any other franchise. In September, he even alluded to the fact that if he returned he’d like do so on a one-year deal.
Gordon became a free agent in November when the Royals declined their mutual option on the remaining year of his contract. That move was expected. Had the club exercised that option, it’d be on the hook to pay Gordon $23 million in 2020. He signed the largest contract in club history in 2016, a four-year, $72 million pact.
Despite being a free agent at the time, Gordon seemed to hint at his desire to return during a conference call after having won his seventh Gold Glove (second-most in franchise history) in November.
Moore told The Star at the MLB General Managers’ Meetings in November that the organization had a “a strong commitment to bring Alex back,” and that he believed the feeling was mutual.
Moore also indicated Gordon’s contract situation would likely get hammered out later in the winter, after the club’s budget became more defined.
At that time, the Royals’ ownership change had not been formally approved and they hadn’t negotiated contracts with either of their arbitration-eligible players, re-signed any free agents or made any free-agent additions.
After the club and designated hitter/outfielder Jorge Soler agreed on a contract for 2020 earlier this month, Moore said he expected talks with Gordon to “intensify.”
With the Royals’ annual FanFest event in Kansas City set to begin Friday, it’s not surprising the deal got done this week. Gordon is expected to speak to reporters Friday, the first day of FanFest.
“Can’t tell you how excited we all are to have Gordo back,” Royals All-Star and two-time reigning AL hits leaders Whit Merrifield said via text. “Probably the 2nd greatest player to ever wear a Royals uniform, what he means to this team and city goes beyond numbers. He instantly makes any team better and I’m so pumped we got him back.”
The longest-tenured Royals player and a three-time All-Star, Gordon has spent his entire professional career and parts of 13 seasons in the majors with the club.
Gordon is one of three positions players to play 13 seasons or more with the Royals. The others are Hall of Famer George Brett (21 years) and eight-time All-Star Frank White (18 years).
“It’s going to be awesome,” Royals veteran pitcher Danny Duffy said. “I had a feeling he was going to come back, but I was ready to support him no matter what call he made. If he wanted to go back to his family, I would’ve had his back. But I sure would’ve missed him. I’m glad that he made the decision to come back, hang with the boys and get after it for another year.”
Gordon patrolled left field for each of their back-to-back American League pennant-winning teams in 2014 and 2015, including the 2015 World Series championship run.
Last season, he slashed .266/.345/.396. Gordon’s 76 RBIs were his most since 2013, and his 31 doubles and 150 games were his most since 2014.
The Royals drafted Gordon No. 2 overall in 2005. He began his professional career in 2006, and reached the majors in 2007 and played in 151 games.
A standout high school athlete out of Nebraska and then the national college player of the year at the University of Nebraska, he’s established a legacy as one of the best defensive players in the organization’s history while posting a career slash line of .258/.339/.413.
Reportedly, teams expressed interest in trading for Gordon last season near the trade deadline — specifically the Atlanta Braves. Gordon would’ve had to approve any deal as a player with 10-and-5 rights.
While Gordon waived his 10-and-5 rights as part of his new deal, the intention on both sides remains for Gordon to finish his career with the Royals.
“We signed Alex Gordon to help us win in 2020 and to continue to be part of our future,” said Moore, who would not definitively rule out Gordon playing past this season.
This story was originally published January 22, 2020 at 9:43 AM.
