KANSAS CITY -- Royals right-hander Ian Kennedy has until four days after the World Series ends to decide if he wants to opt out of the final three years of the five-year, $70 million deal he signed in January 2016.
But Kennedy sounded on Wednesday like he has pretty much made up his mind to stay.
"It would be pretty stupid now [to opt out]," Kennedy said, smiling. "No one would want me."
Kennedy, 32, has not had the type of season he desired. He is 4-10 with a 5.47 ERA. Kennedy went 11-11 with a 3.68 ERA in his first season with the Royals, throwing 195 2/3 innings.
The final three years of Kennedy's deal is worth $49 million. If Kennedy opted out, he would be walking away from $43 million guaranteed. Kennedy would get a $6 million buyout if he opted out.
"But I don't plan on it," Kennedy said. "It's not like I have been pitching that great. You build in those options in case you pitch great the whole year and then you're in a situation where you can make a decision."
And all in all, that's just fine with Kennedy. He and his family have made Kansas City home.
"That' doesn't bother me at all," Kennedy said. "I love it here. That's the reason I wanted to play here.
"I'm not in my 20s anymore. I have a family. I live here year-round. We've set up roots."
Gordon sits again
Left fielder Alex Gordon was not in the starting lineup for the second straight day in Wednesday's series finale against the Rays. Royals manager Ned Yost said Gordon is healthy.
Rookie Jorge Bonifacio was in right field with Melky Cabrera moving to take Gordon's spot in left. Bonifacio homered in Tuesday's win over the Rays.
Yost said he is not benching Gordon.
"I'm going day to day with it," Yost said. "I'm going with who's hot. Boni is swinging the bat well and we're looking for offense. We'll just see what the matchups are each day."