Kansas City Royals seeing the Alex Gordon of old

Since coming back from the disabled list, Kansas City Royals outfielder Alex Gordon is looking like his old self, instead of just old.

It appeared as though Kansas City Royals outfielder Alex Gordon was done. After signing a four year deal worth $72 million following the 2015 season, the Royals star suddenly lost his ability at the plate. Although he was still a Gold Glove caliber left fielder, Gordon’s bat disappeared, as he produced just a .214/.302/.346 batting line with 26 homers and 36 doubles over the past two seasons.

Those struggles continued into this season. Through April 8, Gordon had posted a miserable .174/.208/.217 batting line in his 24 plate appearances. He had drawn just one walk, while striking out six times. At just 34 years old, the former All Star looked like he was done.

After missing just over two weeks with a hip injury, Gordon has returned with a vengeance. No longer does he look like Old Gordon, but instead, he has been the Gordon of old. Since his return on April 24, Gordon has produced a .372/.426/.558 batting line, hitting two homers and three doubles. He continued his torrid pace by going 3-4 with a homer against the Tigers on Thursday, as he has continued his best run since 2015.

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Yes, this run of success has come in only 47 plate appearances. It is still early, and there is that ever-present caveat of small sample sizes. Gordon could well regress back to his previously horrendous performance, with his bat making him borderline unplayable, even with that excellent glove in the outfield. After all, he is past his hypothetical prime, an aging player whose performance had already plummeted in previous seasons.

However, for now, the Royals are certainly content to ride Gordon’s hot bat. With Salvador Perez back in the lineup, and Jorge Soler starting to look like the player Kansas City envisioned, the lineup has become intriguing. That difference is even starting to appear in the Royals record, as they have won four of their past six games to climb out of the AL Central basement.

Gordon had managed to retain value to the Royals due to his play on defense. In the past two seasons, he still accumulated 1.0 WAR due to his ability in left. Last season alone, he saved 20 runs, leading American League left fielders as he won the Gold Glove award. Finally, after two long years, Gordon is also providing value with the bat.

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For now, Alex Gordon is on an impressive hot streak. Even if it does not last, his performance has to give the Kansas City Royals hope that he can be productive once again.