KC Royals: Several big changes will decide next direction for organization

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - AUGUST 30: General manager Dayton Moore of the Kansas City Royals talks to reporters prior to a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Kauffman Stadium on August 30, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. Owner David Glass has agreed to to sell the team to a group led by Kansas City business man John Sherman for an estimated $1 billion. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) /

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Alex Gordon #4 of the Kansas City Royals (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) /

Current Roster Payroll

The Royals roster payrolls for the upcoming seasons sit at an estimate:

2020: $118.4 million (-$19 million for Gordon, -$15.25 million for Duffy, and -$8.25 million for Kennedy = $75.9 M)
2021: $134.7 million (-$15.5 million for Duffy = $119.2 million)
2022: $136.9 million
2023: $132.5 million

Alex Gordon

With the retirement of Ned Yost will Alex Gordon decide to retire as well? The possibility of Gordon retiring is there and I would venture to bet it is at a 30% confidence rating of a real possibility.

If Gordon decides not to retire, the Royals most likely will choose to decline the 2020 mutual option – $23 million and pay the $4 million buyout. Gordon has stated he desires to play for no-one other than the Royals at this point in his career. Gordon may not decide to retire, but he may be forced into retirement with a buyout for an undisclosed amount and subsequently hired into a Special Advisory role with the Royals organization.

The Royals wouldn’t necessarily be wrong in agreeing to the mutual option and bring the 3-time All-Star (2013 – 2015), 6-time Gold Glove (2011 – 2014, 2017 – 2018), and the Platinum Glove recipient in 2014 back for another season. Gordon is after all having his best offensive season since 2015 and brings a consistent veteran presence to the clubhouse. Bringing back Gordon could signal to the players the Royals would like to extend that they honor their contracts.

Ian Kennedy

Kennedy is under contract for 2020 – $16.5 million. The Royals attempted to move Kennedy during the 2019 trade deadline, but couldn’t find a reasonable offer. Kennedy has been the Royals most reliable reliever in 2019 and shows some potential at being a dominate closer moving forward. If the Royals decide to trade Kennedy away this offseason they may look to retain 50% or more of his salary to increase the value of the return.

Danny Duffy

Duffy is under contract for 2020 – $15.25 million and 2021 – $15.5 million. The Royals may decide to move Duffy this offseason in a trade. Duffy has excelled this month after coming back from the injury list and the New York Yankees could be a favorable trade partner.

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