KC Royals News: Alex Gordon, Rusty Kuntz and More
By Alec Tilson
The latest KC Royals news links the team to several free agent names, but no major signings yet.
The KC Royals haven’t been completely silent this offseason. They did sign pitchers Chris Young, Joakim Soria, Tim Collins and Dillon Gee, but it’s been nothing but rumors since.
The team is still in the market for a corner outfielder, and has been linked to several possible Alex Gordon replacements, assuming the All Star left fielder does not return to Kansas City.
In fact, CBS Sports’ Jon Heyman reported that the Royals were told they have ‘no chance’ to re-sign Gordon as things stand. The reality that Gordo might be wearing a different uniform next season is quickly closing in on Royals fans unless owner David Glass and GM Dayton Moore pull off something drastic.
If the Royals do not re-sign Gordon, that should free up close to $60 million or more to invest in both an outfield replacement, and another piece for next season’s campaign.
Lots of interesting names are still available in what has been a wonky free agency period. Pitchers Scott Kazmir, Wei-Yin Chen, Mat Latos, Ian Kennedy, Yovani Gallardo and Doug Fister are the big names left in the search for arms. Several have been linked to the Royals (see links below) as the defending champions look to bolster its rotation.
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As for hitters, some big names like Justin Upton, Yoenis Cespedes and Dexter Fowler are still out there, while some smaller, equally intriguing names like Denard Span, Gerardo Parra and Austin Jackson remain unsigned.
The Royals will be selective in who they throw money at this offseason. But we know one critical band member will be back for a run at a repeat next season:
Rusty Kuntz jokingly on Ned and Dayton asking him to come back: “They kind of ambushed me. It’s really not fair. It was 2-on-1." #Royals
— Jeffrey Flanagan (@FlannyMLB) December 21, 2015
Kuntz will be manning first base next season, and that’s great news for Kansas City. Kuntz is savvy and he’s a rock at first base for this Royals roster.
Moore’s MO over the last few offseasons has been low-dollar, high-value signings, and he seems intent on sticking to that gameplan this year. He gets the benefit of the doubt until he stops hitting on free agent signings, but the anxiety among fans is certainly growing.
Keep a close eye if you’re a Royals fans as the free agency market could start picking up the pace any day.
KC Royals News and Notes From Around FanSided
Royals out of the running for Alex Gordon [KC Kingdom – Joel Wagler]
"He has only a .269 career batting average and has hit over .300 just once, batting .303 in 2011. That is also the only season in which he hit more than 20 home runs in a season, knocking out 23.These are not the numbers of a player who should be earning $20 million a year."
Royals talking to Yovani Gallardo and Scott Kazmir [FanSided.com – Kyle Franzoni]
White Sox interested in Alex Gordon [KC Kingdom – Leigh Oleszczak]
Gerrardo Parra is not a good OF option [Kings of Kauffman – John Viril]
Royals could be perfect fit for Denard Span [Kings of Kauffman – David Hill]
More KC Royals News From Around the Internet
Orioles, four other teams interested in Mat Latos [MLBTradeRumors – Zach Links]
"“Veteran Scott Kazmir figures to net a nice payday on a multi-year deal and the Royals, who are said to have interest, could pivot to a guy like Latos if Kazmir does not fit in their budget.”"
The best single-season defensive improvement belongs to the Royals [Kevin Ruprecht – Royals Review]
FOX Sports Kansas City to televise Royals marathon on Christmas Day [Fox Sports]
Moore: ‘Reckless’ to comment on negotiations regarding Gordon, Perez [Jeffrey Flanagan – MLB.com]
"“Moore did allow that ‘this time of year, we have offers for players. All teams do.'”"
Path to the playoffs: AL Central [ESPN – David Schoenfield]
"“For the sixth consecutive season, the Royals improved their win-loss record — going from 65 to 67 to 71 to 72 to 86 to 89 to 95 wins — and topped it off with that World Series title.”"
We hope you enjoyed this edition of KC Royals News.
Next: Should Royals Sign Denard Span?
While the Royals seem to be testing all areas of the free agent market, they’re yet to pull the trigger on any of the bigger fish left. What’s your number priority for the Royals moving forward?