MLB Hot Stove: White Sox could be top contenders for Alex Gordon

Could Alex Gordon be the next big name to fly off the MLB Free Agency list?

Alex Gordon has been one of the most widely discussed free agents this winter thus far, but ultimately has seen his market fail to materialize into much outside of rumors thus far.

He was heavily connected to the St. Louis Cardinals in the wake of Jason Heyward moving on to the Chicago Cubs, but ultimately the Cardinals quickly shot down the notion of another ‘dynamic signing’ in free agency.

A return to the Kansas City Royals has never been too far-fetched of possibility, as both team and player have interest in a reunion. However, there is reportedly a cannon between the two parties in regards to negotiations.

Meanwhile, the Chicago White Sox have emerged as a potential dark horse favorite to land the four-time All-Star outfielder. Gordon offers the appeal of being familiar with the American League Central, having spent his entire career there thus far. He would also be a substantial defensive upgrade in either left or right field over Melky Cabrera or Avisail Garcia (one of which would have to be traded to facilitate such a signing), as well as being capable of hitting in a number of slots in Chicago’s retooled lineup, which has already added both Todd Frazier and Brett Lawrie this offseason.

If the Sox do indeed get aggressive in adding a free agent outfielder, it could come down to decision between Gordon and Yoenis Cespedes, who the team also is reported to have interest in. A decision between the two could likely come down to the risk between sacrificing an inner-division draft pick for Gordon, who turned down Kansas City’s qualifying offer, and a potentially hefty long-term deal for Cespedes.

Either way, the White Sox are appearing to be a team that is among most ready to capitalize on the sluggish free agent corner outfielder market.