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Report: White Sox showing interest in Alex Gordon

Mike DiNovo / USA TODAY Sports

If the Royals can't afford to re-sign Alex Gordon, whose nine-year tenure in Kansas City culminated with a World Series title in October, the three-time All-Star could end up with one of his longtime employer's division rivals.

According to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, the Chicago White Sox are interested in Gordon, who turned down a $15.8-million qualifying offer from the Royals and is seeking a contract worth around $20 million annually, reports CBS Sports' Jon Heyman.

Seldom praised for their financial might, the Royals may not be willing to make such an investment, whereas the White Sox appear committed to retooling their club for a second straight offseason, having already added Todd Frazier, Brett Lawrie, and Dioner Navarro to a roster that finished 76-86 in 2015.

Meanwhile, Gordon's knowledge of the division, elite defense, and oft-lauded makeup make him an appealing target for the White Sox, notes Rosenthal, even with incumbent left fielder Melky Cabrera under contract for the next two seasons.

Gordon, drafted as a third baseman with the second overall pick in 2005, has emerged as one of the game's most unheralded stars since moving to left field permanently in 2011. Over the past five seasons, the soon-to-be 32-year-old has compiled more wins above replacement (25.1) than all but eight players, hitting .281/.359/.450 (123 wRC+) while accruing the third-most defensive runs saved (94) in the majors.

In 2015, however, Gordon was limited to 104 games - his fewest since 2010 - after suffering a Grade 2 groin strain in July. Still, the four-time Gold Glove award winner hit .271/.377/.432 (122 wRC+) with 13 homers and 2.8 WAR as he helped the Royals to their first World Series championship since 1985.

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