Alex Gordon explained his decision to return to the Royals in an appearance today on MLB Network Radio on Sirius XM (Twitter links via host Casey Stern). Interestingly, he noted that “it was a difficult offseason being a free agent,” perhaps referencing the large number of high-quality players that joined him on the market. Ultimately, while other organizations “definitely showed interest,” Gordon said his “number one goal” from the start was to return to Kansas City.
Here are a few more notes from the AL Central:
- We’ve heard previously of some mutual interest between the Royals and catcher Salvador Perez in a new contract, and Jon Heyman tweets that the club is “quietly trying to re-work/extend” his contract with the club. Perez can be controlled already through 2019, via successive options, for a grand total of just $13.75MM (including this coming season). That obviously leaves ample leverage with the club, particularly since Perez has been worked hard through his age-25 season. It’s not clear what kind of arrangement might work for the team, but I’d speculate that it could involve the introduction of some guaranteed money in exchange for additional option years.
- The Twins may be interested in Mets reliever Carlos Torres, who currently sits in DFA limbo, according to Mike Puma of the New York Post (via Twitter). He’s only owed $1.05MM through arbitration this year and his peripherals suggest that last year’s 4.68 ERA may have been a bit unlucky, so it’s not difficult to see the appeal for a Minnesota club that could stand to deepen its pen.
- The White Sox seem to have allowed the outfield market to pass by without striking, Jim Margalus of SB Nation opines. He wonders whether the Adam LaRoche contract may be a larger obstacle than had been presumed. Of course, it is fair to note that Dexter Fowler, Austin Jackson, and a variety of platoon players remain available — to say nothing of the possibility of a trade — so there’s time yet for GM Rick Hahn to pursue upgrades.
Jackson will or has a few teams wanting his services. O’s /White sox maybe Rangers. Depends on what he wants for years I would love to see him with O’s or Tampa
LaRoche can only do better next season right ?
35 yrs old ? Maybe but will not bet on it
He did so bad I don’t see why not age included lol still might not be good but he has a solid track record to back him up.
Now that the Mets signed Cespedes, (which I liked), that makes De Aza their 5th OF. It also makes the 1yr/$8 mill signing probably the worst by any team this offseason. If the Mets ate $2-3 mill, maybe they could make a trade with the ChiSox.
Why would Chicago want de aza? They already got rid of him once, and he was making half of what the mets gave him. The Mets jumped the gun, and now they’re stuck with him. It’s this great long term planning that Wilpon is known for.
Sox aren’t going to give Dr Aza another chance. Was on the once and they are done with him. He isn’t one of those players the Sox organisation loves and would bring back.
I know De Aza would have to agree to a trade, but seeing as how barring injury, he’s looking at about 150-200 AB, he would be wise to do it.
The Royals should be really patient with Perez. There’s no reason for rushing to extend an overworked catcher with a .285 OBP over the last two years. Just keep him on the cheap until he learns how to take a walk.
Exactly that defense isnt gonna keep up if hes overworked and it not like hes hitting 30 bombs a yr so .285 obp is pretty bad
Soup that’s what exactly I was thinking why rush it he for sure has been worked and four more years of control left why even talk about…..give it another year even two so much Can happen in that time.
Well, it does get a bit more complicated than that fellas. On one hand – you have a key piece to your team at a bargain rate – which really helps the financial world go around. But – how you treat your players does make a difference in hue you are viewed by other players – both on your team and around the league. Taking care of your players can play dividends – and Sal is underpaid.
Having said all that – I don’t know what the answer is – because I agree – am nervous about his long term ability to contribute.
Wrong
Sal agreed to the contract for security.
A contract is a contract, and other players would call him stupid or smart depending.
You can’t have it both ways. Sal will have to wait two more years before they’d do anything.
Oct27- Well of course I see what your saying but still its 4 years no rush at all he’s no Mike Trout.
.285 OBP and He’s one of a few key pieces on that team so give it another year at least lots can happen.
But he’s widely acknowledged to be a major leader for the Royals. He’s one of the rare players that can be considered to be far more valuable for qualities other than his bat and glove.
They royals should rework his contract bc it will get more years of him behind the dish. Perez is going to hit the market at age 28-29. If he keeps improving at a semi constant rate, the royals are looking at a potential 20/year hit for him and it’s going to be for multiple years bringing him into his low-mid 30s. (Look at the McCann and Martin deals and adjust the amounts for escalation of contract rates)
If the royals can get him to sign an modification with an extension, they can get those years at a cheaper rate now than they would be if they try to resign or extend him nearer to the end of his contract.
Then there is the human element – he may not want to resign with the royals later on bc he may feel as they under appreciated him and feel as though they treated him unfairly. Or he may just chase the biggest paycheck bc his last contract was so lopsided
I know he’s older, but could ChiSox go for Marlon Byrd?? He would add pop and possibly DH.. And then add a cheap platoon player?
Would the White Sox consider trading Trey Michalczewski and Corey Zangari for Nick Markakis, Ryan Weber, and Chris Ellis??
Who hangs up first??
Also, if the Braves throw in cash, then Ellis gets taken off the table, and a lesser pitching prospect can get thrown in
White sox break the phone hanging up so fast. I love all the markakis trade talk. Sorry, but the Braves are stuck with that contract.
Can’t say I’d blame them, I’m curious though as to how teams would feel about Markakis’ contract if he gains back some power. He is/was able to lift this off-season, compared to not being able to last off-season, so I wonder how that will play out, relating to his power production i.e. HR’s and XBH’s.
If he can prove that he is once again a 12ish HR guy, along with getting hits and maintaining his ability to get on-base, I’m sure plenty of teams would be interested in him at the deadline, if the Braves are out of contention.
Obviously, there are quite a bit of “ifs,” but I think Markakis will re-gain some power. The Braves have a small chance to contend, if all goes right this year, but I highly doubt they are still in the race, come the trade deadline.
It will be interesting to see, if/when they fall out of contention, which players they dangle to continue to add to their farm system. With that being said, how about their farm system, compared to just a year or two ago!?!?
They are beginning to stockpile an embarassment of riches, when it comes to pitching talent. Now, they just need to add some positional players to their farm, and they very well could be setting themselves up for several years of fielding a winning and contending young ballclub…
Regardless, the Braves will be fun to watch the next couple of years with some real headliners making their way up the ranks…
I’d be shocked to see this trade happen. Zangari wasn’t just good he was dominant in the rookie leagues so I’d very surprised to see him in a deal. Sox best bet may be Ethier or finding the right deal for CarGo. Markakis is most likely a secondary option, well he should be a secondary option.
Sox don’t compete this yr, 4th/5th best team in that division…
Hard to predict. Twins probably have the least chance, but any of the AL Central teams could win that division. Gotta play the games.
Sox need to Sign Ian Desmond and just take the draft pick they lose right back next year.
Markakis would be a great addition. His defense is better than what the Sox already have, he can get on base, doesn’t strikeout a bunch, his power numbers should return to normal (12-15) playing at The Cell. Plus he’s signed for 3/$31.5 million – not that bad for players nowadays.. I bet Atlanta would eat some of that as long as they get a decent arm for him. Danish, Beck or Guerrero plus another two prospects – similar type of players what the Sox gave up for Lawrie. I can guarantee Anderson, Rodon, Fulmer or Adams will not be a part of this deal. Desmond would also be a great pickup. I’d give up that Samardzija pick for him. Saladino isn’t a starting player, on any team. His best role would be a utility backup. Carlos Sanchez, the current backup utility player, would go back to AAA or even be traded.
Eaton CF, Markakis RF, Abreu 1B, Frazier 3B, Cabrera LF, Desmond SS, Garcia/LaRoche DH, Lawrie 2B, Navarro C…..you could flip flop Markakis & Cabrera if you want to but I figure Markakis is better getting on base and should hit before Abreu/Frazier.
a top 10 white sox prospect and a couple more lower prospects for a defense first player who doesnt bring much offense? seems like a big overpay.