Alex Gordon Officially Returns to Royals on 1-Year Deal

The Kansas City Royals could be in for some lean years as the team attempts to rebuild, but they will have their famous No. 4 out there in Kauffman Stadium's left field as they try to get back on track.

Alex Gordon, a holdover from the Ned Yost championship teams that has been with the Royals since they picked him second overall in the 2005 draft, will return to Kansas City next season. Gordon signed a one-year deal with KC amid rumors he was going to retire after last season.

Per source, Alex Gordon and the Royals have agreed on a one-year deal for $4 million for 2020. Gordo is back.
— Jeffrey Flanagan (@FlannyMLB) January 22, 2020

Gordon, who will turn 36 in a few days, saw his bat finally get back to a respectable level after years of decline, as he hit .266 with 13 home runs last season. Gordon remained one of the best defensive players in all of baseball, as he picked up his seventh career Gold Glove award in left field.

Alex Gordon led MLB LF in Defensive Runs Saved from 2010 to 2019.

He's had a positive Runs Saved total at that position in each of his 10 seasons there

(Last 4 seasons: 2, 6, 17, 2) https://t.co/Vhhh9d1z2r
— Sports Info Solutions (@SportsInfo_SIS) January 22, 2020

Gordon's impact on the franchise almost defies measurement, and it seems like he's accepted the challenge of leading a rebuilding team into the next decade rather than hang up his cleats.