Sox lose out on Gordon, whore-signs with Royals
Alex Gordon agreed to a fouryear, $72 million deal to remain with the World Series champion Kansas City Royals, ending the White Sox’ pursuit of the All-Star outfielder.
Gordon was one of the players the Sox were hoping could shore up their outfield.
The agreement is the largest in franchise history, trumping $55 million deals given to Mike Sweeney and Gil Meche.
“We don’t want to get caught up in, ‘A player has earned this or earned that.’ It doesn’t matter if you’ve been here four days or 40 years, you have to produce each and every day,” general manager Dayton Moore said shortly after the World Series when asked about signing Gordon long-term. “You’re going to be compensated for what you’re going to do, not what you’ve done.”
The second overall pick of the Royals in 2005, Gordon went through years of growing pains before finally becoming a star. He’s not only developed into one of the best defensive outfielders in the game with four Gold Gloves to his resume, but also a consistent hitter and clubhouse leader.
Feliz, Pirates agree to 1-year deal
Former AL Rookie of the Year Neftali Feliz and the Pittsburgh Pirates agreed to a one-year, $3.9 million contract. The 27-yearold right-hander, who became a free agent last month when the Detroit Tigers didn’t offer a 2016 contract, is 15-12 with a 3.17 ERA and 97 saves in 246 appearances.
Other news
Free-agent first baseman Chris Carter agreed to a one-year, $2.5 million contract with the Milwaukee Brewers.
Kelly Johnson and the Atlanta Braves agreed to a one-year, $2 million deal. This will be Johnson’s third stint with the Braves.
The Texas Rangers signed left-hander Cesar Ramos to a minor-league contract with plans to convert the 31-year-old reliever back into a starter.
Second baseman Daniel Murphy’s three-year contract with the Washington Nationals will cost the team only $8 million in 2016. The $37.5 million deal calls for a $12 million salary in 2017 and $17.5 million in 2018, including $5.5 million deferred without interest.