The Kansas City Royals declined their half of a mutual option with Alex Gordon on Friday, making the veteran outfielder a free agent.
Gordon had already exercised his side of the option. He now will be paid a $4 million contract buyout instead of the $23 million he would have received if the Royals brought him back for the 2020 season on his existing contract terms.
Gordon, 35, batted .266 with 13 home runs and 76 RBIs for the Royals this past season. The three-time All-Star was an integral part of Kansas City’s 2015 World Series championship team.
In 13 major league seasons, all with the Royals, Gordon is a .258 hitter with 186 home runs and 738 RBIs. He is also a six-time Gold Glove Award winner, the most recent coming in 2018.
The Royals have hinted at bringing back Gordon but for less than he would have made next season on his previous contract.
