Fansided

MLB free agent rumors: Next five players to sign

By Josh Criswell

Sep 7, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres left fielder Justin Upton (10) is congratulated after scoring during the sixth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 7, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres left fielder Justin Upton (10) is congratulated after scoring during the sixth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 6
Next
Kansas City Royals left fielder Alex Gordon (4) hits a single against the Seattle Mariners in the tenth inning at Kauffman Stadium. Kansas City won the game 4-3. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
Kansas City Royals left fielder Alex Gordon (4) hits a single against the Seattle Mariners in the tenth inning at Kauffman Stadium. Kansas City won the game 4-3. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports /

Alex Gordon

Kansas City Royals outfielder Alex Gordon was already anticipating a major payday heading into free agency.

After fellow outfielder Jason Hayward inked an eight-year, $184 million contract with the Chicago Cubs earlier this week, Gordon just might have received a lucrative boost to whichever free agent deal he decides to sign this offseason.

Statistically, Hayward and Gordon are eerily similar players. Both have Gold Gloves to their credit, but more astonishing is how alike they are in the batter’s box.

MassLive.com took a look at each player’s career slash line (batting average/ on-base percentage/ slugging percentage), as well as their 162-game averages, and the resemblance is astonishing.

Career slash line:

"Alex Gordon: 269/.348/.435 Jason Heyward: .268/.353/.431"

Averages per 162 games:

"Alex Gordon: 19 home runs, 75 RBIs, 37 doubles, three triples. Jason Heyward: 19 home runs, 68 RBIs, 31 doubles, four triples."

Unfortunately for Gordon, Heyward has a clear advantage in the youth department. While Heyward is only 26 years old, Gordon turns 32 before the 2016 season begins.

But although a long-term contract is likely off the table for Gordon, the versatile outfielder can still expect to haul in a yearly salary upwards of $20 million.

As for Gordon’s potential destination, the Los Angeles Times has reported the Los Angeles Angels as a possible suitor.

Next: Tyler Clippard

Home/MLB Free Agency