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MLB Rumors: 10 free agency signings that need to happen

By Steven McNeil

Oct 4, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles first baseman Chris Davis (19) doubles during the first inning against the New York Yankees at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles first baseman Chris Davis (19) doubles during the first inning against the New York Yankees at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jul 2, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Washington Nationals center fielder Denard Span (2) steals second base against the Atlanta Braves during the first inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 2, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Washington Nationals center fielder Denard Span (2) steals second base against the Atlanta Braves during the first inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

8) Denard Span CF – Kansas City Royals

I may be sounding like a broken record here, but I promise you I am not. Let’s be real here for a minute. The Kansas City Royals are not resigning Alex Gordon, and I am sorry to ruin your Christmas, Royals fans, but it’s just not going to happen. After Gordon being upset about the latest offer they gave him, I would think that they are out of the running for his services.

So, that leaves the Royals with a need for a proven everyday outfielder, one who can fill the void that will be left defensively by the loss of Alex Gordon. You may be thinking, “Span is a CF and the Royals have Lorenzo Cain, that’s crazy talk,” but it’s not. You see, Span’s centerfield defense has been in decline since 2014, and he’s not getting any younger, so putting him in the hole left by Gordon makes perfect sense.

Not only does it make sense defensively, but it also makes perfect sense offensively. When you think about the Royals’ offensive identity, you don’t think of big power hitters and a high-powered offense like you do with the Toronto Blue Jays. You think of a high contact, speed driven team that takes advantage of runners on. Span brings that to the table with his .287/.352 average and OBP combo.

He’s the perfect Royals paler if there ever was one (besides Lorenzo Cain). He has the wheels (152 stolen bases) the contact (95.5% Z-Contact%) , and the keen batter’s eye (8.7% walk percentage).

Next: Scott Kazmir

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