MLB Free Agency: 5 potential landing spots for Alex Gordon

San Francisco Giants

The 2015 San Francisco Giants struggled immensely with health and production out of its outfielders in 2015. After losing both Nori Aoki and Hunter Pence to extended stays on the disabled list, the team’s depth was exposed and the Giants lacked the ability to recover from it.

That’s not something the team is looking to repeat in 2015.

Already, the Giants have declined team options to retain Aoki and Marlyn Byrd (who was acquired mid-season). That’s a red flag that San Francisco is going to look to add a significant piece this winter to address the production the team received from its line-up last season. The team will get a big boost with the return of Pence for a full season, but adding a solid bat from the left side of the plate will add depth to a line-up that could use a left-handed bat.

Enter Alex Gordon. Aside from a brief stay on the DL last season with a groin strain, Gordon has been a model of health over the four previous seasons, averaging 156 games played during that span. While he isn’t the power bat that the Giants desire, he is a solid producer at the plate and has shown an ability to produce in a larger ballpark.

San Francisco has the ability to put together a solid five-year offer north of $100 million and the team has the championship pedigree that could lure Gordon to San Francisco. With the money freed up by decline Aoki ($5.5 million) and Byrd ($8 million), the Giants have the flexibility they need to get a deal done. With the desire there, the only thing missing is convincing Gordon to come to California.

Next: Can Baltimore learn their lesson?