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MLB 2017: One X-factor for each team

By Brad Berreman

September 7, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Yasiel Puig (66) runs after he hits a solo home run in the sixth inning against Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sport
September 7, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Yasiel Puig (66) runs after he hits a solo home run in the sixth inning against Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sport /
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Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Colorado Rockies: OF Carlos Gonzalez

Amid some trade rumors last season, Gonzalez put together another good season with a .298/.350/.505 slash-line, 25 home runs,100 RBI and 42 doubles. He also played in at least 150 games for the second straight season, after failing to play 140 games in any of the previous four campaigns.

Gonzalez’s contract status drove increased trade speculation a year ago, as the Rockies fell out of any chance at playoff contention. Now finally entering the final year of his contract, along withh Gonzalez reportedly insinuating there has been “no conversation” about a contract extension with the Rockies recently, those trade rumors may quickly reignite once the seasons starts.

A fully healthy Gonzalez is an offensive force, in and out of Coors Field and even though he’s prone to being streaky. A fast start in 2017 will either up the ante for Rockies general manager Jeff Bridich to make a trade, or perhaps put the Rockies into the playoff conversation in the National League. Either way, Gonzalez is in line to set the ongoing bar for any plan the Rockies have this season, and he’s likely to be no worse than a top potential trade chip at the deadline.

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