Royals sign OF Alex Gordon to $72 million, 4-year contract

The All-Star outfielder signed a $72 million, four-year deal to remain with the Kansas City Royals, the long-downtrodden team that drafted him more than a decade ago, and that he helped climb to the pinnacle of the sport with a World Series triumph this past season.

Gordon will make $12 million this season, $16 million next and $20 million each of the following two years.

The deal includes a $23 million mutual option for 2020 with a $4 million buyout.

Gordon declined a $13.75 million option to test free agency, but several outfielders on the market including Yoenis Cespedes and Justin Upton may have depressed the 31-year-old’s value.

Along with bringing back Gordon, the team has re-signed pitcher Chris Young to an $11.5 million, two-year deal to solidify their rotation and brought back former closer Joakim Soria on a $25 million, three-year deal.

They’ve also exercised an $8 million option on All-Star closer Wade Davis and a $5.25 million option on All-Star shortstop Alcides Escobar.

With a number of players likely to get significant raises in arbitration, including All-Star outfielder Lorenzo Cain, third baseman Mike Moustakas, left hander Danny Duffy and outfielder Jarrod Dyson, the Royals could have another record payroll this season.