Kansas City Royals sign one-year deal with outfielder Alex Gordon – MLB News
The Kansas City Royals have continued their roster upgrading strategy as they recently gave a new contract to their outfielder Alex Gordon worth $4.775 million for next season. Gordon, who is playing with the Royals for last four years, also avoided potential salary arbitration hearing that was scheduled on February 16.
“They know they have me for two (more) years,” Gordon said. “So do we. I think both sides just want to think it through and get things right — like we did with the one-year deal. We’re not trying to rush things, and I think that’s how it’s been so far.”
Later the Royals' general manager Dayton Moore said, “The thing to focus on at this point. Is the one-year deal, which we consummated today that is best for both sides. The only thing I would say about a long-term deal is we’re going to work very hard to get all of our good players signed long term.”
Earlier, some news swirled in the media that the Royals and Gordon’s agent are showing little stubbornness on their respective stances but later this issue was resolved when Gordon himself slightly mediated the matter resolving everything smoothly in the end.
According to sources, Gordon’s deal includes a $25,000 bonus for 700 plate appearances in the next Major League event. Leaving his previous $1.5 million salary in 2011, Gordon has now a huge chance to prove his game with the trust of his franchise’s confidence as he is worth more than this particular salary and should be given a long term contract in 2012.
In the meanwhile, according to a recent report, the Royals’ management have signed 16 players on their 40-man roster for a combined $52.51 million this offseason.
These 16 particular players include Billy Butler ($8 million), Jeff Francoeur ($6.75 million), Joakim Soria ($6 million), Jonathan Sanchez ($5.6 million), Alex Gordon ($4.775 million), Bruce Chen ($4.5 million), Jonathan Broxton ($4 million), Luke Hochevar ($3.51 million), Yuniesky Betancourt ($2 million), Felipe Paulino ($1.9 million), Aaron Crow ($1.1 million), Chris Getz ($967,500), Jose Mijares ($925,000), Brayan Pena ($875,000), Mitch Maier ($865,000) and Noel Arguelles ($750,000).
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