Royals Reward Alex Gordon With Four-Year Contract
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Doug Pensinger/Getty Images(SURPRISE, Ariz.) — Kansas City Royals outfielder Alex Gordon was on the verge of being a bust as recently as last season, but now he’s being rewarded handsomely by the team that once drafted him second overall back in 2005. The team has rewarded Gordon with a four-year contract worth $37.5 million that also includes a player option for 2016.
Gordon made his debut with the Royals in 2007 but he struggled his first four seasons in the big leagues. He never batted over .260, hit more than 16 home runs or drove in more than 60 runs.
Gordon had a breakout season though in 2011. He hit .303 with 23 home runs, and drove in 87 runs. His big season cemented himself as one of the many young building blocks the Royals will have going forward.
“This is where I wanted to be,” Gordon said. “I’m thrilled it’s done and over with. I can look to the future now. I’m liking what I see. Our goal was to get it done by the beginning of the year, before the season started. It’s a very exciting day for me.”
At 28-years old, Gordon is actually one of the oldest as well one of the longest tenured Royals currently on the roster.
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