As the Kansas City Royals prepare for a critical offseason after hiring manager Mike Matheny, the front office has reportedly already made another important decision on outfielder Alex Gordon.
According to MLB Network’s Jon Heyman, Kansas City will decline the $23 million mutual option on his contract and pay him a $4 million buyout.
It’s the expected move as the 35-year-old outfielder weighs his future in the majors. Gordon, who has spent his entire 13-year MLB career in Kansas City, posted a .741 OPS with 13 home runs and d76 RBI this year.
Gordon, who admitted at the end of the season that he’s contemplating retirement, received a standing ovation from the fans in his final game with the Royals this season.
While the report indicates Kansas City will attempt to bring Gordon back at a price that works for the organization, the veteran might have already played his last game in Kansas City.