SURPRISE, Ariz. (AP) — Adalberto Mondesi might be one of the best kept secrets in baseball.The only player to make his big league debut in the World Series, the 24-year-old Mondesi has blossomed into an emerging star for the Kansas City Royals.Last season, his 10 triples tied for the most in the majors and his 43 stolen bases ranked second. He did that despite injuries limiting him to 102 games.In 2018, Mondesi became the only player to record at least 14 home runs and steal 32 bases in no more than 75 games.“I don’t think the baseball world has any idea how good this kid can be,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “Just look at some of the best shortstops and some of the ones that are getting the most attention and this guy can do everything they do and then some. He’s a special player and he’s a special person.”Mondesi went on the injured list twice last year with a groin strain and left shoulder trouble. He again hurt his shoulder in the final week while diving for a ball and had surgery... [More]

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Nearly three decades ago, Royals star George Brett raced out of the visiting dugout at Yankee Stadium and got in the face of rookie umpire Tim McClelland, instantly transforming what had been a run-of-the-mill regular-season game in mid-July into an iconic moment in baseball history.It became known as “The Pine Tar Game.” And now, baseball fans can own a piece of the history.Later this month, a trove of artifacts connected to the seminal game between the Royals and New York Yankees will be sold by Heritage Auctions. The highlight will be the jersey worn by Brett and expected to fetch more than $100,000, but nearly every other significant piece from that game — except the bat, which is at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, New York — is on the auction block with the sale set to end the weekend of Feb. 22.The game took place July 24, 1983, and the Royals were trailing 4-3 with two outs in the ninth inning. U.L. Washington was on first base... [More]

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Already a World Series MVP, six-time All-Star and five-time Gold Glove catcher, Salvador Pérez became something else when he stepped onto the main stage at the Kansas City Royals' annual FanFest: a U.S. citizen.Pérez took his oath of citizenship on Friday, the completion of a five-year process that he described as long and difficult, but well worth it.“I would rather be in the World Series, bases loaded, two outs, 3-2, hitting than go through that again,” he said. “I was shaking and my eyes were super big. But it was fun.”“Becoming a U.S. citizen is great," said Pérez, who was born and raised in Venezuela.Pérez missed all of 2019 after undergoing Tommy John surgery during spring training. He’s healthy and hopes to regain his old form, which include 162-game averages of 24 home runs, 87 RBIs and a .266 average.“My elbow is great,” he said, noting that he lost 22 pounds this offseason. “If everything goes well, I’ll be in the lineup on opening day."The Royals will... [More]

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Alex Gordon agreed to consent to a trade by the Kansas City Royals starting June 16, an unusual provision in his new $4 million, one-year contract.Gordon has spent his entire career with the Royals and has the right to block trades under baseball's collective bargaining agreement because his has at least 10 years of major league service, including five or more with his current team. The Royals lost more than 100 games in each of the last two seasons and are not projected to contend.If the 35-year-old outfielder is traded, he would receive a $500,000 assignment bonus each time he is dealt, payable by the receiving team. In addition, if he is traded he would be eligible for $500,000 in performance bonuses based on plate appearances starting after the initial swap: $100,000 each for 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250.A three-time All-Star and seven-time Gold Glove winner, Gordon has an array of award bonuses: $100,000 for MVP and $50,000 for second through fifth in the voting,... [More]

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Alex Gordon agreed to consent to a trade by the Kansas City Royals starting June 16, an unusual provision in his new $4 million, one-year contract.Gordon has spent his entire career with the Royals and has the right to block trades under baseball's collective bargaining agreement because his has at least 10 years of major league service, including five or more with his current team. The Royals lost more than 100 games in each of the last two seasons and are not projected to contend.If the 35-year-old outfielder is traded, he would receive a $500,000 assignment bonus each time he is dealt, payable by the receiving team. In addition, if he is traded he would be eligible for $500,000 in performance bonuses based on plate appearances starting after the initial swap: $100,000 each for 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250.A three-time All-Star and seven-time Gold Glove winner, Gordon has an array of award bonuses: $100,000 for MVP and $50,000 for second through fifth in the voting,... [More]

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals signed outfielder Alex Gordon to a $4 million contract for next season, giving the rebuilding club a veteran presence in what is expected to be a young lineup under new manager Mike Matheny.The Royals designated right-hander Heath Fillmyer for assignment Wednesday in a corresponding roster move.The 35-year-old Gordon, a three-time All-Star, won his seventh Gold Glove last season to move within one of Frank White for the most in franchise history. He committed just one error in 146 games played in the outfield. His seven outfield assists tied him for third among big league left fielders, and his .266 batting average was his best since the 2015 season.Gordon was even called upon to pitch twice in games that got out of hand.One of the club's most popular players, Gordon said late last season that he was leaning toward returning in 2020 but wanted to spend some time discussing his future with his family. The move also had to make financial sense... [More]

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals signed outfielder Alex Gordon to a $4 million contract for next season, giving the rebuilding club a veteran presence in what is expected to be a young lineup under new manager Mike Matheny.The Royals designated right-hander Heath Fillmyer for assignment Wednesday in a corresponding roster move.The 35-year-old Gordon, a three-time All-Star, won his seventh Gold Glove last season to move within one of Frank White for the most in franchise history. He committed just one error in 146 games played in the outfield. His seven outfield assists tied him for third among big league left fielders, and his .266 batting average was his best since the 2015 season.Gordon was even called upon to pitch twice in games that got out of hand.The former Nebraska standout is among the most popular players in Kansas City. He already ranks in the top 10 on several franchise lists, including fourth in homers with 186 and sixth in hits with 1,609 in his 13 seasons.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Colorado third baseman Nolan Arenado won his seventh straight Gold Glove and pitcher Zack Greinke earned his sixth in a row, getting the National League honor for the fourth months he spent with Arizona before he was traded to Houston.Kansas City left fielder Alex Gordon, who became a free agent this weekend, won his seventh overall and third in a row.Other multiple winners in the AL announced Sunday included Boston right fielder Mookie Betts (four), Tampa Bay center fielder Kevin Kiermaier (three), Oakland first baseman Matt Olson and third baseman Matt Chapman, and Cleveland shortstop Francisco Lindor (two apiece).Seattle pitcher Mike Leake, Cleveland catcher Roberto Pérez and Chicago White Sox second baseman Yolmer Sánchez were first time winners in the AL.Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo won his third Gold Glove and second in a row, and Arizona shortstop Nick Ahmed won his second straight.There were five first-time winners in the NL: Philadelphia catcher J.T.... [More]

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Colorado third baseman Nolan Arenado won his seventh straight Gold Glove and pitcher Zack Greinke earned his sixth in a row, getting the National League honor for the fourth months he spent with Arizona before he was traded to Houston.Kansas City left fielder Alex Gordon, who became a free agent this weekend, won his seventh overall and third in a row.Other multiple winners in the AL announced Sunday included Boston right fielder Mookie Betts (four), Tampa Bay center fielder Kevin Kiermaier (three), Oakland first baseman Matt Olson and third baseman Matt Chapman, and Cleveland shortstop Francisco Lindor (two apiece).Seattle pitcher Mike Leake, Cleveland catcher Roberto Pérez and Chicago White Sox second baseman Yolmer Sánchez were first time winners in the AL.Chicago Cubs first baseman won his third Gold Glove and second in a row, and Arizona shortstop Nick Ahmed won his second straight,There were five first-time winners in the NL: Philadelphia catcher J.T. Realmuto, St.... [More]

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Royals have declined their half of Alex Gordon's $23 million mutual option for 2020, allowing the outfielder to become a free agent.Gordon had exercised his part of the option but was allowed to go free Saturday. He will receive a $4 million buyout, completing a $72 million, four-year contract he agreed to in January 2016.A three-time All-Star and seven-time Gold Glove winner, Gordon helped the Royals win the 2015 World Series for their first title since 1985.He batted .266 this year with 13 homers and 76 RBIs for the rebuilding Royals, who topped 100 losses for the second straight season. Gordon is a career .258 hitter with 186 homers and 738 RBIs.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Colorado third baseman Nolan Arenado won his seventh straight Gold Glove and pitcher Zack Greinke earned his sixth in a row, getting the National League honor for the fourth months he spent with Arizona before he was traded to Houston.Kansas City left fielder Alex Gordon, who became a free agent this weekend, won his seventh overall and third in a row.Other multiple winners in the AL announced Sunday included Boston right fielder Mookie Betts (four), Tampa Bay center fielder Kevin Kiermaier (three), Oakland first baseman Matt Olson and third baseman Matt Chapman, and Cleveland shortstop Francisco Lindor (two apiece).Seattle pitcher Mike Leake, Cleveland catcher Roberto Pérez and Chicago White Sox second baseman Yolmer Sánchez were first time winners in the AL.Chicago Cubs first baseman won his third Gold Glove and second in a row, and Arizona shortstop Nick Ahmed won his second straight,There were five first-time winners in the NL: Philadelphia catcher J.T. Realmuto, St.... [More]

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Royals have declined their half of Alex Gordon's $23 million mutual option for 2020, allowing the outfielder to become a free agent.Gordon had exercised his part of the option but was allowed to go free Saturday. He will receive a $4 million buyout, completing a $72 million, four-year contract he agreed to in January 2016.A three-time All-Star and six-time Gold Glove winner, Gordon helped the Royals win the 2015 World Series for their first title since 1985.He batted .266 this year with 13 homers and 76 RBIs for the rebuilding Royals, who topped 100 losses for the second straight season. Gordon is a career .258 hitter with 186 homers and 738 RBIs.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The moment the final out was made on another 100-loss season for the Kansas City Royals, fans immediately began gazing toward the future rather than lamenting the way things have been lately.There is a new owner on the way. New manager, too.And the Royals, who have been in the midst of a massive rebuilding effort after their back-to-back World Series appearances in 2014-15, are beginning to see the fruits of that labor. Their next wave of young position players reached the big leagues, and a promising batch of pitching prospects dazzled at just about every level of the minor leagues this season."There's a lot of talent on this team," Royals pitcher Glenn Sparkman said. "We will put it together at some point. When we do, it's going to be a lot of fun."There will be a whole new bunch of faces overseeing it.Longtime owner David Glass agreed to sell the franchise to Kansas City businessman John Sherman, a minority owner of the Cleveland Indians, late in the season. Sherman... [More]

Royals first. Whit Merrifield strikes out swinging. Jorge Soler homers to center field. Hunter Dozier pops out to shallow right field to Willians Astudillo. Alex Gordon singles to right field. Cheslor Cuthbert flies out to center field to Ian Miller.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Royals 1, Twins 0.Twins second. Eddie Rosario strikes out swinging. Mitch Garver doubles to deep left center field. LaMonte Wade Jr flies out to center field to Erick Mejia. Willians Astudillo doubles to deep left field. Mitch Garver scores. Jonathan Schoop singles to shallow center field. Willians Astudillo to third. Ian Miller flies out to left field to Alex Gordon.1 run, 3 hits, 0 errors, 2 left on. Twins 1, Royals 1.Twins fifth. Ian Miller doubles to deep left field. Luis Arraez grounds out to first base, Cheslor Cuthbert to Glenn Sparkman. Ian Miller to third. Jorge Polanco out on a sacrifice fly to deep center field to Erick Mejia. Ian Miller scores. Nelson Cruz called out on strikes.1 run, 1 hit, 0... [More]

Twins first. Miguel Sano singles to center field. Jake Cave walks. Miguel Sano to second. Nelson Cruz singles to left center field. Jake Cave to third. Miguel Sano scores. Eddie Rosario singles to right field. Nelson Cruz to second. Jake Cave scores. Willians Astudillo pops out to shallow infield to Eric Skoglund. C.J. Cron grounds out to third base. Eddie Rosario out at second.2 runs, 3 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Twins 2, Royals 0.Royals first. Whit Merrifield singles to right field. Jorge Soler lines out to right field to Jake Cave. Hunter Dozier doubles to deep left center field. Whit Merrifield to third. Alex Gordon grounds out to shallow center field, Jonathan Schoop to C.J. Cron. Hunter Dozier to third. Whit Merrifield scores. Ryan McBroom called out on strikes.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Twins 2, Royals 1.Twins second. Jonathan Schoop doubles to deep left field. Ryan LaMarre strikes out swinging. Ronald Torreyes reaches on a fielder's choice to shortstop. Jonathan Schoop... [More]

Royals first. Whit Merrifield doubles to deep left field. Jorge Soler singles to center field. Whit Merrifield to third. Hunter Dozier out on a sacrifice fly to deep left field to Adam Duvall. Whit Merrifield scores. Alex Gordon hit by pitch. Jorge Soler to second. Ryan McBroom strikes out swinging. Ryan O'Hearn lines out to left field to Adam Duvall.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 2 left on. Royals 1, Braves 0.Royals third. Jorge Soler walks. Hunter Dozier singles to center field. Jorge Soler to second. Alex Gordon singles to right field. Hunter Dozier to third. Jorge Soler scores. Ryan McBroom hit by pitch. Alex Gordon to second. Ryan O'Hearn out on a sacrifice fly to left field to Adam Duvall. Hunter Dozier scores. Bubba Starling doubles to deep left center field, advances to home. Ryan McBroom scores. Alex Gordon scores. Throwing error by Brian McCann. Meibrys Viloria flies out to deep right center field to Nick Markakis. Nicky Lopez grounds out to shortstop, Dansby Swanson to Austin Riley.5... [More]

Twins first. Luis Arraez grounds out to shortstop, Adalberto Mondesi to Cheslor Cuthbert. Jorge Polanco singles to left field. Nelson Cruz singles to shortstop. Jorge Polanco to second. Eddie Rosario doubles to deep right center field. Nelson Cruz to third. Jorge Polanco scores. Mitch Garver grounds out to shallow infield, Nicky Lopez to Cheslor Cuthbert. Marwin Gonzalez singles to shallow infield. Eddie Rosario to third. Nelson Cruz scores. Miguel Sano homers to center field. Marwin Gonzalez scores. Eddie Rosario scores. Jake Cave walks. LaMonte Wade Jr singles to center field. Jake Cave to third. Luis Arraez singles to center field. LaMonte Wade Jr to second. Jake Cave scores. Jorge Polanco flies out to shallow left field to Whit Merrifield.6 runs, 7 hits, 0 errors, 2 left on. Twins 6, Royals 0.Royals second. Cheslor Cuthbert grounds out to first base to Marwin Gonzalez. Bubba Starling singles to right field. Humberto Arteaga flies out to right field to Jake Cave. Nick Dini homers to... [More]

Royals second. Hunter Dozier grounds out to shortstop, Luis Arraez to Marwin Gonzalez. Alex Gordon hit by pitch. Ryan McBroom singles to right field. Alex Gordon to second. Ryan O'Hearn doubles to deep right field. Ryan McBroom to third. Alex Gordon scores. Meibrys Viloria out on a sacrifice fly to left center field to Eddie Rosario. Ryan McBroom scores. Brett Phillips strikes out swinging.2 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Royals 2, Twins 0.Twins third. Jason Castro flies out to deep center field to Brett Phillips. LaMonte Wade Jr homers to center field. Luis Arraez singles to left field. Jorge Polanco strikes out on a foul tip. Nelson Cruz grounds out to third base, Hunter Dozier to Ryan O'Hearn.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Royals 2, Twins 1.Twins fifth. LaMonte Wade Jr triples to deep center field. Luis Arraez doubles to right field. LaMonte Wade Jr scores. Jorge Polanco walks. Nelson Cruz singles to center field. Jorge Polanco to second. Luis Arraez scores. Eddie Rosario pops... [More]

Twins first. Mitch Garver walks. Jorge Polanco doubles to deep right field. Mitch Garver to third. Nelson Cruz out on a sacrifice fly to deep center field to Erick Mejia. Jorge Polanco to third. Mitch Garver scores. Eddie Rosario pops out to Hunter Dozier. Miguel Sano triples to deep right center field. Jorge Polanco scores. Marwin Gonzalez flies out to right center field to Erick Mejia.2 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Twins 2, Royals 0.Royals sixth. Jorge Soler singles to left center field. Hunter Dozier grounds out to shallow infield, Mitch Garver to C.J. Cron. Jorge Soler to second. Alex Gordon doubles to deep right field. Jorge Soler scores. Ryan McBroom called out on strikes. Erick Mejia strikes out swinging.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Twins 2, Royals 1.Twins sixth. Jorge Polanco walks. Nelson Cruz flies out to right field to Whit Merrifield. Eddie Rosario reaches on a fielder's choice to second base. Jorge Polanco out at second. Miguel Sano walks. Eddie Rosario to second.... [More]

Royals second. Alex Gordon grounds out to second base, Jorge Polanco to Marwin Gonzalez. Ryan McBroom singles to third base. Erick Mejia walks. Ryan McBroom to second. Meibrys Viloria singles to shallow center field. Erick Mejia to third. Ryan McBroom out at home. Nicky Lopez singles to left field. Meibrys Viloria to second. Erick Mejia scores. Whit Merrifield walks. Nicky Lopez to second. Meibrys Viloria to third. Adalberto Mondesi walks. Whit Merrifield to second. Nicky Lopez to third. Meibrys Viloria scores. Jorge Soler walks. Adalberto Mondesi to second. Whit Merrifield to third. Nicky Lopez scores. Hunter Dozier grounds out to third base, Miguel Sano to Marwin Gonzalez.3 runs, 3 hits, 0 errors, 3 left on. Royals 3, Twins 0.Twins third. Ryan LaMarre flies out to deep center field to Erick Mejia. Mitch Garver singles to left field. Jorge Polanco doubles to deep right center field. Mitch Garver to third. Nelson Cruz homers to right field. Jorge Polanco scores. Mitch Garver scores. Eddie... [More]