Inside the Royals clubhouse, the clock ticks. A collection of cornerstone players are set to become free agents after the 2017 season. Royals manager Ned Yost has two years remaining on his contract, and at age 61, will not be here indefinitely. All around the room, there are reminders of a franchise in transition.
But in a locker stall near the entrance is another, less conspicuous clock. It hangs over the head of outfielder Terrance Gore, perhaps the fastest man in baseball, and it is counting down as the 2017 season approaches. Gore, 25, is a dynamic, game-changing weapon with a possible expiration date.