Gordon, a third baseman, played collegiately at the University of Nebraska. In 2005, Gordon won the Golden Spikes Award, Dick Howser Trophy, Brooks Wallace Award, ABCA National Player of the Year Award, and Baseball America Minor League Player of the Year Award, and was considered by many to be the best collegiate player in the nation. He was drafted in 2005 by the Royals with the second pick.

Having hit 29 home runs and stolen more than 20 bases with an on-base percentage well over .400 in his first full season in minor league baseball with the AA Wichita Wranglers, Gordon is generally regarded as one of the very best hitting prospects in baseball. Gordon was selected for the 2006 All-Star Futures Game.

Alex Gordon declined to play for Team USA in 2006, while leading the Wichita Wranglers to the Texas League playoffs. Gordon performed exceptionally well in his first full minor league season, winning the Texas League Player of the Year awarded to the best player award and Baseball America's Minor League Player of the Year award.

Gordon receives comparisons to Hall of Famer George Brett, another left-handed batting Royals third baseman.