Kansas City Royals: Could Alex Gordon actually be dealt?

The Kansas City Royals are not going anywhere this season and anything that is not a part of the future should be dealt. This could include Alex Gordon.

There is no question as to what Alex Gordon has meant to the Kansas City Royals. He has been a lifelong member of the franchise, a homegrown star that has become one of the faces of the franchise. He is a reminder of better days, back when the Royals were contenders and baseball royalty once more. Gordon is an important piece of franchise history.

Just like the Royals, Gordon’s glory days are in the rearview mirror. While he had a renaissance with the bat in 2019, that has not carried over thus far. Heading into Wednesday’s action, Gordon has produced a .179/.258/.268 batting line with just three extra base hits in 62 plate appearances. While he ranks second amongst AL left fielders with two runs saved, the bat is not there.

But that does not mean that Gordon is without value. He would be an excellent defensive replacement in late innings and a solid veteran presence in the clubhouse. Gordon has been through the battles and knows what it takes to win. He would be a solid acquisition for a young team looking to reach the postseason.

Excluding the possible public relations backlash from trading Gordon, there is one major issue. As a 10-5 player, he essentially has a no trade clause to everywhere. Given his stature with the franchise, any possible deal would seem to be unlikely.

But that may not be the case. When he signed his one year deal for 2020, Gordon had a clause in the contract asking that he not be traded until after June 16. From that point onward, he would presumably approve a deal if one was to be made.

Obviously, things have changed since that contract was signed. The pandemic had pushed the start of the season back to the end of July and has made trades more difficult. Gordon may not be interested in leaving his family behind if an offer was to come in and he was being sent to a contender. The landscape is much different.

For an interested contender, Gordon would not cost much to bring on board. He would be a rental at this point, set to enter free agency at the end of the season if he does not choose to retire. The idea of going out on a winning team could be enticing.

But first, they would need to convince Alex Gordon to leave Kansas City. That may be easier said than done.