MLB Trade Rumors: Cardinals, Giants, Nationals Interested in Carlos Gonzalez
Carlos Gonzalez has two years and $37 million left on his contract and the Colorado Rockies are looking to trade the outfielder this offseason. He comes cheap for a player of his quality, so three teams are reportedly interested in acquiring him -- the St. Louis Cardinals, San Francisco Giants and Washington Nationals.
ESPN noted that the Cardinals just lost Jason Heyward to the Chicago Cubs and Gonzalez can replace him in terms of power production from the left side of the plate. St. Louis still have Stephen Piscotty, but he is best fit as a first baseman.
The Giants are also looking for a left fielder after the departure of Nori Aoki via free agency. However, general manager Bobby Evans told Mercury News that his priority is still starting pitching despite already signing Jeff Samardzija to a five-year deal.
"A little more of a lean towards pitching first and left field second, but that can change. There may be a mid-range to both. But I'm not in any hurry," Evans said.
Washington is also looking for outfield help with Jayson Werth having a down year and Michael Taylor still adjusting in the major leagues. The Nationals also missed out on Hayward, but are currently discussing a trade with the Rockies for either Gonzalez or Charlie Blackmon, per Pete Kerzel of MASN Sports.
According to Baseball Reference, Gonzalez started the season slowly but had a great second half to finish with a .271 batting average, 40 home runs and 97 RBIs. He is also just 30 years old and hits for power and has a good defense, but his injury history is a big risk for any team willing to trade for him.
He played just 180 games in 2013 and 2014 combined, and some teams can also consider his split stats when he is on the road and at home in Coors Field. Gonzalez has a great on-base plus slugging percentage at Coors Field with .952 while only .780 away from Colorado.
The 30-year-old also has difficulty hitting against lefties, but his 30-homerun potential, defense and cheap cost is a much better option for teams that do not want to give big money to free agents. Yoenis Cespedes, Alex Gordon and Justin Upton will cost north of $100 million to sign considering that the Cubs gave Hayward a $187 million contract.
The Rockies are currently in rebuilding, and it started when they traded superstar shortstop Troy Tulowitzki last season. They received a lot of prospects for him and Colorado surely will get another great haul for Gonzalez.
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