KC Royals: Candidates to Replace Alex Gordon

Oct 17, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals left fielder Alex Gordon (4) score a run during the seventh inning against the Toronto Blue Jays in game two of the ALCS at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

KC Royals general manager Dayton Moore is casting a wide net in his search for a corner outfielder.

He’s inquired about Colorado Rockies outfielders Carlos Gonzalez, Charlie Blackmon, and Corey Dickerson, according to ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick. He’s kicked the tires on Cincinnati outfielder Jay Bruce and considered converting third baseman Todd Frazier to left. He’s priced the market by contacting free agent Yoenis Cespedes.

With both Alex Gordon and Alex Rios free-agents, the Kansas City Royals have a clear need at corner outfielder. However, they are clearly struggling with the price. Dayton Moore has even suggested that he’d be okay with filling his outfield holes with internal options, even as he admitted he was still looking for outfield help, telling the Kansas City Star:

"“We’re still in the market for a starting pitcher, and we do want to acquire an outfield bat,” Moore said. “But we also know this, that if we do nothing in the outfield, we’re going to be very good defensively. We’re going to have speed, and we’re going to have upside.”"

Don’t believe it, KC Royals fans. Come spring, Moore will have added at least one veteran outfielder to the mix. The Kansas City Royals still have a core of good players in their prime who have proved they know how to win in October. Dayton Moore can’t afford to throw away a chance at more post-season glory.

That’s how general managers lose their job.

The best solution might be to bring back Alex Gordon. Certainly the fan base would like to see Gordon become a career Royal. With Jason Heyward‘s contract coming in at eight-years, $184 million, there is some hope that the outfield market will lag behind expectations. Fangraphs.com’s crowd estimate for Heyward had him signing for seven-years, $196. Maybe, just maybe, Gordon will not meet his five-year, $90 million crowd estimate either.

Failing such a return, here is a look at the most likely candidates to fill in for Alex Gordon in case he departs this winter. I consider outfielders that have been connected to the Kansas City Royals in various hot stove rumors:

Next: Carlos Gonzalez