Kansas City left fielder Alex Gordon is almost certain to opt out of the final year of his contract (at $12.5 million in 2016) and make himself a very popular free agent. He is looked at as a professional bat, perhaps the best defensive left fielder in the game (along with Yoenis Cespedes) and a gamer.

Though he will turn 32 in February, he should receive a four-year deal, perhaps even five years. Clubs such as the Astros and Cubs are mentioned in what should be a deep field. However, a few executives cited one team that has surprised me — the Red Sox.

After all, Boston probably has too many outfielders for too few spots. But executives tell me that Red Sox officials have always liked Gordon and so has new Boston president Dave Dombrowski from his time in the AL Central as the Tigers’ GM.

The Red Sox’s main priority is a top-of-the-rotation starter — perhaps even going for David Price — and so that is where they are expected to put their big money this offseason. In addition, Gordon’s defensive skills would be a bit of a waste in the small left field at Fenway, unless he was moved to right.

But those executives who expressed Boston could play for Gordon offered a scenario in which the Red Sox find their starter on the trade market and use outfielders to get it. One scenario presented was that if Boston officials think Jackie Bradley Jr.’s strong finish inflated his value beyond his actual skill, this may be the best time to maximize dealing a young, defensive-star outfielder.