Alex Gordon, Kansas City Royals Announce Four-Year Extension

Alex Gordon and the Kansas City Royals announced a four-year/$37.5 million contract extension that will keep the slugger in KC through 2015.  Gordon’s new deal also includes a player option for the 2016 season worth $12.5 million.

Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star offers a breakdown of the guaranteed portion of Gordon’s deal; $6 million for 2012, $9 million for ’13, $10 million for ’14 and $12.5 million for ’15.

Alex Gordon’s career has been equivalent to a roller coaster ride.  Most expected the former top prospect and second overall pick in the 2005 MLB Draft to be the next big thing.  Drafted by the Royals as a third baseman, fans naturally compared the youngster to George Brett.

Gordon made these comparisons appear warranted in his first year of professional baseball.  22 years old and in his first year out of college, Gordon hit at a clip of .325/.427/.588 for the Royals Double-A affiliate.

Kansas City decided one year of minor league play was enough for their highly-touted prospect.  Gordon joined the Royals for the 2007 and ’08 seasons, spending most of his time manning the hot corner.

However, Gordon’s minor league success at the plate didn’t immediately translate, and a 25-year-old Gordon once again found himself playing in the minors in 2009 and ’10.  As recent as the 2010 season it appeared that Gordon would be chalked up as another failed prospect, as he only managed an OPS of .671 over his 242 at-bats with the Royals that year.

But 2011 offered fans a new look Gordon.  Not only did he take home a Gold Glove at a new position, left field, but Gordon finally showed the prowess at the plate scouts had initially anticipated.  Over his 611 at-bats, Gordon hit at a clip of .303/.376/.502 with 23 home runs, 45 doubles, 101 runs scored, 87 RBI’s and 17 stolen bases.

Royals fans are hoping for more of the same from Gordon in 2012.  The 28-year-old’s new extension certainly shows Kansas City has faith in their left fielder.

For more on the Royals, be sure to check out Kings of Kauffman.

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