The Chicago Cubs rumors have been flying over the past week and a recent report states that Alex Gordon could be a 2015 MLB Free Agency target if he opts out of his current deal with the Kansas City Royals.
Joel Sherman of the New York Post reported that Gordon will likely opt out following the World Series and that the Cubs are one of the teams interested. He also listed the Boston Red Sox and Houston Astros as potential fits for the veteran outfielder. Gordon would be an excellent fit in left field for the Cubs, especially if they are sold on moving Kyle Schwarber behind the plate to the catcher position.
Gordon would be an excellent veteran fit in the Cubs' talented young lineup and would bring the World Series experience that Chicago needs moving forward.
Throughout the 2015 regular season, Gordon put up another solid all-around year. He isn't a superstar, but he is very consistent with what he does at the plate. Gordon ended up compiling a .271 batting average to go along with 13 home runs and 48 RBI's.
Adding those numbers into the Cubs' lineup would be big for Joe Maddon. Mixing veterans in with young players is the way to win a championship and the Cubs need to add a bit more of the veteran presence.
More than likely the team that signs Gordon will have to give him a four-year deal, although there is a chance that he could get five years. He is currently 32 years old and would be worth it for at least three of those seasons. Depending on what type of money he would be searching for, the Cubs would make perfect sense for him.
Not only would he remain on a young and energetic team like he is with the Royals, he would also have a long-term chance for another World Series appearance. Chicago is right on the cusp of being a legitimate contender and adding a couple pieces this offseason could put them over the top.
Theo Epstein is going to be a very busy man this coming offseason with the Cubs looking to make quite a few different moves. He wants to acquire starting pitching and more bullpen help, but tweaking the lineup a bit is on his to-do list as well. Chicago has the money to make a play for Gordon and it would not be surprising to hear that the two sides are negotiating at some point when free agency opens up.
Expect to hear plenty more rumors come out about the Cubs in the coming weeks, as they look to build their roster to a World Series contending point.
