Alex Gordon turns down option, becomes free agent

Alex Gordon has taken his first step toward a large pay day.

The outfielder turned down a $12.5-million player option he had with the Kansas City Royals for the 2016 season, officially making him a free agent.

Although Gordon was an integral member in the World Series champions' lineup, it was expected he would turn down the option with hopes of finding a big-money, long-term deal in free agency.

There's also a chance Gordon - the longest-tenured member of the Royals - could return to Kansas City if the franchise offers a contract he finds fitting.

"Gordo is their top priority, and he should be," fellow free agent Ben Zobrist told MLB.com. "He is the face of this franchise."

Gordon joins an impressive free-agent crop of outfielders that also consists of Yoenis Cespedes, Jason Heyward, and Justin Upton.

The 31-year-old has spent his entire career with the Royals, who selected him with the second overall pick of the 2005 draft.

The four-time Gold Glove winner hit .271/.377/.432 with 13 home runs and 48 RBIs last season.