When MMO’s John Bernhardt interviewed Sandy Alderson on Friday, he acknowledged one of his offseason goals for the team. “Obviously, the Mets need to improve in left field,” he told him.
In addition to possible free agent targets like Michael Cuddyer, Yasmani Tomas, Alex Rios, Nick Markakis, and Colby Rasmus, the are some options that could become available this Winter as well.
One such option could be Alex Gordon, who the Royals may be forced to move this offseason according to Andy Martino of the Daily News. He heard that along with first baseman Eric Hosmer and third baseman Mike Moustakas, Kansas City may not be able to keep all three as each are expected to see significant raises in 2015.
“Gordon is the most interesting case, and the one who fits an opening for one of the New York teams. Once nearly a failed third base prospect, he has become one of the game’s best left fielders, and a face of the Royals revival. But he will turn 31 in February, and is nearing free agency as a highly valuable player.”
If Gordon is unwilling to commit to a long-term deal, it makes sense for the Royals to gauge his trade value this winter, writes Martino.
Martino surmises that a package of Rafael Montero and Daniel Murphy would be fair value, but that Mets people would be reluctant to part with Montero for a rental — and if they did, Yoenis Cespedes would probably appeal to them more than Gordon.
Gordon batted .266 with a .355 OBP and .783 OPS this season. In 643 plate appearances totaled 34 doubles, 19 home runs, and 74 RBI. He’s a three time Gold Glove Award winner. He is owed $12.5 million for 2015, and the team option is also for $12.5 million.
What makes me prefer Gordon to Cespedes is his tremendous defense which would play at Citi Field, as well as his track record of production. Sure I’d do Murphy and Montero for him, but I’m not sure that gets a deal done, and remember that several other teams would be just as interested in Gordon as us.
I think Sandy’s first move will be to see what it would take to get Michael Cuddyer who fits right in with the organization’s offensive approach and can also play first base. After exhausting that option, I think Gordon could be a good Plan B.
