The Kansas City Royals declined their $23 million mutual option on outfielder Alex Gordon, but the signs point to the two sides working out a new deal, according to James Woolridge of the Kansas City Star.
Woolridge writes that although Gordon has contemplated retiring, Kansas City's decision to hire Mike Matheny to be their new manager could result in Gordon re-signing with the club:
Gordon, 35, has contemplated retirement, but he seemed to hint at a likely return during a conference call a little more than a week ago after he’d won his seventh AL Gold Glove Award.
He acknowledged that new manager Mike Matheny’s press conference gave him the “itch” to play again. Gordon also said he spoke with Matheny in the days following that press conference, and that talks with the Royals about his future were just starting.
Similarly, Royals general manager Dayton Moore suggested that there was mutual interest in working out a new contract:
“I think with Gordo, the feeling is mutual,” Moore said. “He’s been a huge part of this organization for a long time. He’s been here longer than I have. In fact, we both came to Kansas City at the same time — 2007 was our first year here together, first full season together. There’s a strong commitment to bring Alex back.”
Gordon figures to have a limited market despite having somewhat of a bounce-back season in 2019.
He is still one of the best defensive outfielders in the game, but his talents could be best served in Kansas City, where he can help Matheny usher in a new generation of Royals players.
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