Oct 17, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals left fielder Alex Gordon (4) hits an RBI double during the seventh inning against the Toronto Blue Jays in game two of the ALCS at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Free agent outfielder Alex Gordon has agreed to a four-year, $72 million deal to return to the world champion Kansas City Royals, according to multiple reports Wednesday.
The deal is pending a physical for Gordon, who last season helped lead the Royals to their first World Series title since 1985.
Gordon, who turns 32 next month, played in only 109 games last season due to injuries, batting .271 with 13 home runs and 48 RBIs. In nine seasons in the majors, all with the Royals, he has hit .269 with 134 homers and 523 RBIs.
The three-time All Star, who was drafted No. 2 overall by the Royals in 2005, is considered one of the best defensive left fielders in baseball, earning four Gold Gloves.
Gordon hit .241 with two home runs and six RBIs in the postseason. Gordon homered to tie the score in the ninth inning of Game 1 of the World Series off New York Mets closer Jeurys Familia and made Eric Hosmer’s 14th-inning walk-off sacrifice fly, and a 1-0 series lead, possible.
On Nov. 4, Gordon declined his 2016 player option, worth $13.75 million with postseason escalators included, to test free agency. Gordon signed a four-year $37.5 million contract before the 2012 season.
