Kansas City Royals: Time to be honest about rebuilding
By John McCarty
Alex Gordon, the long-time Royals outfielder, is in his last year of contract and could be an option for a contender if he is willing to accept trade.
No trade option is more difficult to fully grasp than the Alex Gordon situation.
Having turned 35 coming into the season, Gordon is playing out the twilight of his career, much like it started, on a team losing a slew of games. Also, Gordon is able to block any trade due to his 10 and 5 rights (Any player with at least ten years or service in baseball, five previous with the team) automatically can block any possible trade.
Further complicating matters Gordon has an option on his contract for 2020 for $23 million. There is a $4 million buyout. Any team acquiring Gordon would presumably face the idea of paying him a decent amount of money to not play on the team in 2020.
Having a solid start the the 2019 season after struggling since signing his four-year contract, Gordon’s emergence has provided the Royals with an opportunity. They can turn the last half of a season into something other than a well-earned round of applause. The question is does Gordon want to spend the second half of the season in a different city or simply stay at home with the team that drafted him 14 years ago?
If Gordon does want to play for a contender, do the Royals do him a solid and allow him that opportunity? Better question, does Gordon want to?
An aging outfielder that doesn’t hit for a great average and an expensive buyout usually doesn’t bring back a big return, but maybe the Royals allow him to go for another championship knowing he doesn’t fit into their future.