Giants: Who Will Play Left Field in 2016?

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Nov 1, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; Kansas City Royals left fielder Alex Gordon (4) grounds out in the 12th inning against the New York Mets in game five of the World Series at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Coming off a second World Series appearance in two years, and helping Kansas City win their first title since 1985, the Royals’ perennial Gold Glove winner is officially on the market. After declining Kansas City’s qualifying offer — which track record shows no one accepts — Gordon will be looking for a new deal to stay in Kansas City or leave for whichever team seeks his services.

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Gordon is at a valuable stage of his career after failing to get off to a good start in the Majors. He was a highly coveted prospect out of the University of Nebraska, and the past half decade has shown what he was capable of.

Being from Lincoln, Nebraska, and hours from Kansas City, the Midwest is home to Gordon, and he may take a home town discount to stay with the Royals. They have built a nice foundation with Lorenzo Cain, Alcides Escobar, Eric Hosmer, Mike Moustakas, and World Series MVP Salvador Perez, but they are all in line for a pay raise for their contributions to Kansas City’s title.

Cueto looks to be a one-year rental as he will most likely find a new destination, and will not return to Kansas City. The Royals could look to bring back Gordon, but their funds may not allow them to.

The Giants could use somebody like Gordon in the outfield. He is a gap hitter and an elite defender, and what will be the largest contract of his career may flirt with $100 million plus. While what Gordon may demand this offseason may scare off the Giants, he hasn’t shown too much to be concerned about or weaknesses in his game — Gordon’s struggles came earlier in his career.

Oct 31, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; Kansas City Royals left fielder Alex Gordon breaks his bat in the second inning against the New York Mets in game four of the World Series at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

With spacious parks like AT&T Park and Kauffman Stadium –Gordon is familiar with both as he was 90 feet away from changing the 2014 World Series in San Francisco — defensive adjustment should be no concern. But a change of scenery would certainly take some time to adjust to.

From the Midwest and country life, to a modern, big city like San Francisco, Gordon may not be ready for that challenge. But he is a figure who could fit in to the Giants’ clubhouse culture, as he was one of the leaders on that Royals team.

Gordon turns 32 in February, and given his age, he could receive a contract between four and five years in length as he is still in his prime years.

2015 was not kind to the Giants, as the team was injured to the point of only having three starters not go on the DL — Buster Posey, Matt Duffy, Madison Bumgarner. A knee and groin have been injury issues for Gordon in recent years. In the National League, there isn’t the benefit of having a DH to allow a player to slowly get back into the line up. Injury history is worth noting.

Gordon is not a major priority, but what he brings to the table is very similar to the style of play the Giants look for in their players. He is someone to keep an eye on, though it would be a dark horse move.

Next: Jason Heyward

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San Francisco Giants: Who Will Play Left Field in 2016?

By Phillip Benson | Nov 6, 2015