Is Alex Gordon the Royals Future Center Fielder?

The Outfield Depth Has Disappeared

Recent center fielders Paulo Orlando and Jarrod Dyson are not currently on this KC Royals team anymore. Paulo Orlando is still in the minor leagues and Jarrod Dyson was traded to the Seattle Mariners this offseason.

It should also be noted that Cain has had numerous visits to the DL, and the only player that could fill his position everyday is Alex Gordon. The opportunity for Alex Gordon to take over in center field is a sensible assumption if Cain doesn’t stay with the team after 2017 as well.

The only problem with Gordon taking over in center has been his recent play at the plate. However, if you take a look at the current outfield starters, only Cain and maybe Bonifacio has good enough numbers to be relied on offensively.

It should also be noted that recent KC Royals teams have included five or even six outfielders at a time, and this current roster only holds four. If Cain leaves, the Royals will be forced to place someone in center.

Lorenzo Cain:  .284 BA, 1 HR, 7 RBI

Alex Gordon:  .158 BA, 0 HR, 7 RBI

Jorge Soler:   .056 BA, 0 HR, 1 RBI (Disclaimer: Only six games played)

Jorge Bonifacio: .255 BA, 2 HR, 5 RBI

The outfield this season has not been exactly what you call an offensive powerhouse. Only three home runs from the outfield is dead last in the MLB.

All Royals fans know the offensive blues the team has been apart of this season, and most fans can agree that the team will eventually get out of it. Alex Gordon has been bad at the plate that we can all agree on, but his defense is still one of the teams best weapons and will keep him in the lineup even as his batting average drops.

With only four outfielders on the current roster, if Cain moves, Gordon is the best option to take over center field.