Gordo puts cherry on top of Royals career with second Platinum Glove

Even in retirement, Alex Gordon’s trophy case keeps getting fuller.

His latest addition is a doozy: the Rawlings Platinum Glove. The former Kansas City Royals left fielder received the honor Friday, earning his second AL Platinum Glove, which recognizes the top defensive player in each league regardless of position. On Wednesday he was awarded his eighth career Gold Glove — tying second baseman Frank White for the most in Royals annals — following his retirement in September.

In the Platinum Glove’s 10-year history, only five players have earned multiple Platinum Gloves — Gordon (2014, 2020), catcher Yadier Molina (2011-12, 2014-15) and infielders Nolan Arenado (2017-19), Matt Chapman (2018-19) and Adrian Beltre (2011-12).

Gordon, who played all 14 years of his big league career with Kansas City, had a major league-most 102 outfield assists from 2010-20, a total that trails only Amos Otis (116) in Royals history. He led the majors with a career-high 20 outfield assists in 2011 — his first full-time season as an outfielder — a mark that has not been topped by any player in nine seasons since.

Gordon was charged with only 15 outfield errors in 2,731 total chances from 2011-20, and his .995 fielding percentage during that time ranked second in the majors (minimum 2,000 chances), trailing only Nick Markakis (.996). Gordon made just one error in 500 chances over his last 273 games in the outfield from June 25, 2018, through his final game on Sept. 27, 2020, the only miscue coming on May 18, 2019, at the Angels, when his errant throw allowed a base runner to advance. He was perfect in his final 152 games in the field (299 chances).