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MLB Trade Rumors: Interest in Rockies’ Carlos Gonzalez picking up

By Matt Whitener

Sep 25, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies right fielder Carlos Gonzalez (5) rounds the bases after his solo home run in the fourth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies right fielder Carlos Gonzalez (5) rounds the bases after his solo home run in the fourth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Rumors are everywhere for Colorado Rockies outfielder Carlos Gonzalez.

In an offseason where corner outfielders have largely been the focus on the free-agent and trade market alike, another big name has entered the picture as an option for teams looking to boost their outfield production.

Colorado Rockies outfielder Carlos Gonzalez is reportedly being checked on by an increasing number of teams. Gonzalez is coming off a season where he firmly re-established his place among the elite producers in the game, hitting a career-best 40 home runs while driving in 97 runs along with a .271/.325/.540 split.

That level of production is comparable to any of the premier free-agent corner outfielders, including Jason Heyward, Alex Gordon, Justin Upton and Yoenis Cespedes. None of that group matched Gonzalez’s home run output during the previous season, and only Cespedes bested him in runs driven in.

The Baltimore Orioles, Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Angels, San Francisco Giants and St. Louis Cardinals have regularly been mentioned as teams with the most interest in acquiring outfield help this offseason, and all could also see a fit for Gonzalez as well.

The 30-year-old Gonzalez has been mentioned in years past as being a potential trade target for many teams, but never before have the Rockies seemed so likely to consider a deal as they do now. They are coming off a season where fellow franchise cornerstone Troy Tulowitzki was dealt to the Blue Jays with six years and $94 million left on his deal.

A similar salary dump for Gonzalez, who is owed another $37 million over the next two seasons could be ideal for the Rockies, as well as be a much more favorable option for teams that are looking to add offense, but are apprehensive about a commitment to one of the players on the open market which could cross well over $100 million dollars.

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