World Series Champion Royals - Offseason

[WuShock16]

Andy McCullough @McCulloughStar 23m23 minutes ago Source confirms @FlannyMLB's report: The Royals have reached a deal with Alex Gordon, believed to be for four years and $72 million.

[pinstripers]

Andy McCullough @McCulloughStar 23m23 minutes ago Source confirms @FlannyMLB's report: The Royals have reached a deal with Alex Gordon, believed to be for four years and $72 million.

way too much

[shocktheheart]

way too much

I disagree. Heyward received 8/184 and is basically the same player just a little younger.

[WstateU]

Wow, that's a lot of burgers and fries...

[Cdizzle]

I disagree. Heyward received 8/184 and is basically the same player just a little younger.

1. Also too much.
2. Younger is a big deal.

[Mr. Obvious]

Good deal for both sides. Alex is still only 31 (32 in Feb) Players look up to him and rally around him. Great example for a stocked minor league system with his hard work. This makes the fan base feel really good.

Cdizzle, I'm with you, MLB contracts are obscene. Though, the Royals/Glass, reported by Forbes in 2009, averaged a $20M profit each year since he took ownership. Thats what $9 beers will do for you.

[SHOXAAC]

Wow, that's a lot of burgers and fries...

Don't forget my favorite...cherry pie. Mmmmm, mmmmm good.

[WstateU]

Don't forget my favorite...cherry pie. Mmmmm, mmmmm good.

oh yea!

[RoyalShock]

I also agree it's a little much for what I believe Gordon is going to become - an oft-injured, slowing outfielder who's offense has started to decline. I wouldn't have gone more than $16mil, but what's $2mil between associates?

The early word is that the first year (at least) will be lower, deferring some until later to allow for more signings. There is also no opt-out or a no-trade clause.

[Shocker85]

While the salary number probably doesn't translate to Gordon's actual production, keeping Gordon keeps the core together for at least one more season for the Royals to contend. With the Cain, Escobar, Hosmer, Moustakis, Gordon, Perez, Davis, Herrera, Venture, Duffy core that came through the system mostly together intact, the Royals have a shot to be in the mix in the AL Central. They may open as favorites.

I would like ot see some production out of the RF position, but I doubt there is any money left. I also think they are short one experienced starting pitcher, but maybe one of the farm-hands gets a shot this year as a #5 behind Ventura, Duffy, Medlen (Young), and Volquez. With Herrera, Hochever, Soria, Davis and Medlen/Young in the pen they should be able to reliably hold leads.

They should still be really fun to watch in 2016 if most everyone stays healthy.

[Awesome Sauce Malone]

The biggest need now is starting pitching.

Young might work as a #5 and long relief. Same with Duffy. They could bring up Zimmer/Almonte and other pitchers to fill BP positions as they have done in the past. Im perfectly fine with an Orlando/Dyson platoon in RF. In the long run its probably cheaper and would get more production out of it that way.

[RoyalShock]

It sounds like KC is pursuing Ian Kennedy to round out the rotation.