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MLB Trade Deadline: 5 best spots for Carlos Gonzalez

By Nathaniel Reeves

Jun 7, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Colorado Rockies right fielder Carlos Gonzalez (5) tosses his batting helmet after striking out in the ninth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Dodgers won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 7, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Colorado Rockies right fielder Carlos Gonzalez (5) tosses his batting helmet after striking out in the ninth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Dodgers won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 24, 2014; San Francisco, CA, USA; Detailed shot of the championship ring of San Francisco Giants general manager Brian Sabean before game three of the 2014 World Series against the Kansas City Royals at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 24, 2014; San Francisco, CA, USA; Detailed shot of the championship ring of San Francisco Giants general manager Brian Sabean before game three of the 2014 World Series against the Kansas City Royals at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports /

2. San Francisco Giants

San Francisco has surged over the past couple of months and owns the MLB’s best record at the All-Star break with a mark of 57-33. Even a team playing at a .633 pace has some weaknesses, and the Giants will be going all-out at the deadline in an effort to win their fourth World Series title in seven years.

Beyond the bullpen, corner outfield stands out as the biggest need for San Francisco before the stretch run. The Giants have been actively shopping for an outfielder since Hunter Pence went down with a hamstring injury, with Josh Reddick and Ryan Bruan emerging as possible targets.

Gonzalez should be added to that list, as he is a good fit that would improve an already-strong lineup. Even when Pence returns, Gonzalez could be an upgrade by taking some at-bats from Angel Pagan, Gregor Blanco and Mac Williamson.

Again, the biggest draw for San Francisco is that Gonzalez is under contract until next season, as the team will be poised to contend in 2017 as well. Both Pagan and Blanco are unlikely to be re-signed when they hit free agency this winter, so adding Gonzalez over a rental like Reddick would make sense.

While San Francisco may not have the top-line impact prospects of a Boston, the farm system is still deep enough to offer a fair deal for Gonzalez.  The only hang up could be trading within the division, but the two sides could figure something out if the Giants made a strong offer.

Next: 1. Washington Nationals

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