Royals keep Davis, Escobar; Gordon departs

The Kansas City Royals exercised options on the contracts of All-Star reliever Wade Davis and All-Star shortstop Alcides Escobar on Thursday, while All-Star left fielder Alex Gordon declined the option in his contract for 2016 and will become an unrestricted free agent.

The World Series champions exercised an $8 million option on Davis and a $5.25 million option on Escobar. Davis thrived as Kansas City's closer after a late-season injury to Greg Holland while Escobar was named MVP of the American League Championship Series.

Gordon, the longest-tenured Royal and the face of the franchise, declined a $13.75 million player option. He made his third All-Star team this season and has won Gold Gloves each of the past four years and might win another this year.

A midseason groin strain kept Gordon, 31, out for two months this year. He hit .271 with a .377 on-base percentage, a .432 slugging percentage, 13 homers and 48 RBIs in 104 regular-season games. Gordon batted .241/.349/.426 with two homers and six RBIs in 16 postseason games.

The Royals also declined the $3 million option on outfielder Jonny Gomes.