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Jul 5, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals left fielder Alex Gordon (4) runs after a fly ball against the Minnesota Twins during the eighth inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
Alex Gordon
Heading into his age-32 season, the Kansas City Royals outfielder has become a cornerstone for the reigning American League champs.
Despite missing significant time with a groin injury, Gordon is putting up some of the best numbers of his big league career, carrying a .283/.389/.451 slash-line into action Monday.
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He’s got line-drive power and, when healthy, is an annual contender for 20-to-25 homers and 75-to-80 RBI. In his lone postseason appearance last season with KC, he struggled to a .688 OPS in 17 games, but I personally take that win a grain of salt given the small sample size.
His offense makes him enticing by itself, but when paired with his above-average work in the outfield, his value really jumps. Last season, Gordon ranked ninth in baseball in Defensive Runs Above Average (Def) – first amongst left-fielders.
Whether or not Chicago takes a serious look at the Royals’ leadoff man remains to be seen; first, it depends what the Cubs do with the likes of Starlin Castro, Kris Bryant and Kyle Schwarber. If the club keeps all three along with veteran Miguel Montero, such a pursuit seems unlikely.
However, if the Cubs trade Castro, move Javier Baez to second base and keep Kris Bryant at third, a spot may be open in left field – a potential landing spot for a piece like Alex Gordon.
Next: David Price