Carlos Gonzalez: Five potential trade destinations

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When the Colorado Rockies dealt Troy Tulowitzki to the Blue Jays last July, there were some rumblings that Carlos Gonzalez could shortly follow him out the door. Such a deal never materialized at the trade deadline, however, but now that the MLB offseason is in full swing, the star outfielder’s name is popping up again with increasing frequency.

It’s no secret that the Rockies are in rebuild mode, and it would make sense for them to cash in on Gonzalez while they can, as they did with their former shortstop. The 30-year-old represents a bit of a financial commitment to other clubs (he has two years and $37 million remaining on his contract), but he certainly doesn’t appear to lack for interest on the trade market.

A few years ago it would not have been a bold statement to call him one of the best-hitting outfielders in the game. From 2010 to 2013 he slashed .311/.370/.556 (133 OPS+) while averaging 27 home runs and 91 RBIs per season. He captured the NL batting title in 2010 with a .336 average and a league-high 197 hits.

Unfortunately, a rash of injuries limited him to just 70 games and a .238/.292/.431 slash line in 2014. He rebounded health-wise this year, playing in 153 games. Though his batting average (.271) and on-base percentage (.325) failed to reach his earlier standards, he rediscovered his power stroke in resounding fashion. He belted a career-best 40 homers, 27 of which came after the All-Star break.

As is the case with many Coors Field sluggers, teams may worry that CarGo will not fare as well in another home ballpark. It’s a legitimate concern: he owns a career .324/.382/.604 slash line in the Rocky Mountain air and a .255/.310/.441 line on the road. Regardless, his overall body of work and scorching finish to the 2015 campaign have made him a hot-ticket item.

The Winter Meetings may be drawing to a close, but expect more big names to be on the move. Gonzalez’s could be one of them, and here are five clubs that could be potential fits.

Next: Team #1

San Francisco Giants

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Part of Gonzalez’s appeal is that he could be a solid fallback option for teams that don’t sign one of the major free agent outfielders, such as Jason Heyward and Justin Upton. The Giants have been described as “active” in the outfield market. Drawing from their prospect pool to snag CarGo may make more sense for them than splashing a mountain of cash on an expensive free agent.

The Giants’ outfield harbors it share of question marks right now. Nori Aoki left to join the Mariners, and Marlon Byrd is a free agent as well. Angel Pagan is coming off an underwhelming season (.635 OPS) and Hunter Pence missed 110 games due to a broken left foreman and a couple other injuries. Gregor Blanco hit .291 in 115 games, but he’ll turn 32 later this month.

San Francisco could use a jolt of offensive firepower in its outfield, something Gonzalez could provide even in the confines of a pitcher-friendly stadium.

Next: Team #2

Pittsburgh Pirates

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With Andrew McCutchen, Starling Marte and Gregory Polanco already in tow, the Pirates don’t appear to have a need for Gonzalez. However, Matt Gross over at Purple Row offers an interesting idea for a blockbuster between Pittsburgh and Colorado.

The Bucs just shipped starting second baseman Neil Walker to the Mets, and though they have several versatile infielders who could slide into the role, they might be interested in a more clear-cut solution at the position. That’s where DJ LeMahieu comes in. Gross reasons that if the Pirates are willing to give up one of their top prospects, they might entice the Rockies to package the All-Star second baseman and Gonzalez together in a monster deal.

CarGo’s arrival would allow the Bucs to bring 24-year-old Gregory Polanco along a bit more slowly. Though the young outfielder heated up in the second half, he was not particularly impressive with the bat (.256/.320/.381) in 2015.

It may seem a bit far-fetched for Colorado to let go of Gonzalez and LeMahieu in one fell swoop, but they’re certainly in a position to at least listen on offers for their veterans. The Pirates are one club that could benefit.

Next: Team #3

Chicago Cubs

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The Cubs are reportedly a serious player for Jason Heyward, whose bidding could surpass the 10-year, $200 million mark. If he signs elsewhere (i.e. returning to the rival Cardinals, for instance), Gonzalez wouldn’t be a bad alternative.

Though CarGo doesn’t offer the elite defense and all-around package that Heyward does, he would represent a more modest two-year commitment to the Cubs. That arrangement, Bruce Levine of CBS Chicago argues, might better suit the Cubs and their win-now mindset.

Gonzalez could conceivably find a place at Wrigley Field, especially if free agent Dexter Fowler departs and the Cubs trade the much rumored-about Jorge Soler.

Update: With the Cubs signing Heyward to an eight-year pact, that effectively takes them out of consideration for Gonzalez. But any of the other teams that previously showed interest in the newest Cub could conceivably make a pass at Gonzalez now instead.

Next: Team #4

Baltimore Orioles

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The O’s have spent much of the last few days determining exactly where they stand with Chris Davis. Baltimore reportedly made a seven-year, $150 million offer to the slugger, but ESPN’s Buster Olney reported this morning that they have rescinded that proposal.

Rumors suggest that Davis and agent Scott Boras are holding out for a contract within the neighborhood of $200 million, a figure the Orioles surely won’t approach. If they indeed say goodbye to their first baseman, his exit would leave a sizable hole in the O’s lineup.

The Orioles could turn to Gonzalez to fill the role of primary power hitter and run-producer. It’s not too difficult to see him faring well at Camden Yards, and there aren’t too many players available (on either the free agent or trade market) who could replace most of Davis’ MLB-leading 47 homers this season.

Next: Team #5