Much like word of Zack Greinke’s opt out earlier today, a decision on Alex Gordon’s $12.5 million player option for 2016 was nearly pre-ordained. He was going to decline it. Everyone knew he was going to decline it.
So, what did he do?
There’s no tease here. He really did decline it:
OF Alex Gordon has turned down his player option with the #Royals for 2016, making him a free agent.
— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) November 5, 2015
So, then, as expected, the 31-year-old outfielder will be one of the best corner outfielders available this offseason. He’ll get a qualifying offer on Friday and will decline that, too, so he’ll be tied to draft pick compensation.
From there, we’ll see how aggressively the Royals pursue a re-up with their hometown star, and we’ll also see if those many Cubs-Gordon rumors actually have legs. It’s been hard – but not impossible – to square his fit with the current Cubs’ roster composition, but I can certainly see how a Gordon addition could make sense if it was accompanied by some other movement.
We’ll see what happens, and you’re reminded that there’s an offseason road map you can check out if you want to know what’s going to happen when.