Royals boost repeat chances by agreeing to deal to keep Alex Gordon
The Kansas City Royals agreed to a four-year, $72 million deal with free-agent outfielder Alex Gordon on Wednesday.
#Royals have agreed to terms w/ All-Star OF Alex Gordon on a 4-year contract w/ mutual option for 2020. https://t.co/8bi3PSw9SN
— Royals (@Royals) January 6, 2016
Gordon, 31, was among the most coveted free agents on the market this offseason, and there was some doubt that the Royals would be able to fit him into their budget going forward.
In 104 games this past season, Gordon hit .271/.377/.432 with 13 homers, 18 doubles and 48 RBI. He missed much of July and August because of a groin injury but returned in September for the team's postseason push. In 16 postseason games, Gordon hit .241/.349/.426 with two homers and six RBI to help lead the Royals to their first World Series championship since 1985.
During his nine-season major-league career -- spent entirely with Kansas City -- Gordon has hit .269/.348/.435 with 134 homers and 523 RBI. He was the second overall pick in the 2005 draft by the Royals.
Earlier this offseason, the Royals lost second baseman/outfielder Ben Zobrist and right-hander Johnny Cueto in free agency. They re-signed right-hander Chris Young and also inked reliever Joakim Soria.
