MLB Free Agency: Landing spots for Carlos Gonzalez

DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 27: Carlos Gonzalez (5) of the Colorado Rockies watches a pitch (he would double on the swing) as it approaches the plate during the bottom of the second inning in a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Coors Field on Thursday, September 27, 2018. The Colorado Rockies hosted the Philadelphia Phillies. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 27: Carlos Gonzalez (5) of the Colorado Rockies watches a pitch (he would double on the swing) as it approaches the plate during the bottom of the second inning in a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Coors Field on Thursday, September 27, 2018. The Colorado Rockies hosted the Philadelphia Phillies. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
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(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

CarGo has always played in the West. Could the San Francisco Giants be a possible landing spot for the All-Star outfielder?

It would be a long shot for the Giants to sign a player over 30 in their current state, but he could be a good one-year stop-gap as they wait for younger players to get ready.

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The Giants right-field depth consists of Austin Slater, Mike Gerber, and Drew Ferguson. In 2018, the team relied on Andrew McCutchen, who was later traded to the Yankees. Gonzalez would be a satisfying replacement for McCutchen, as fans are used to veteran talent.

Slater played 13 games in right field. In the 74 he played in 2018, he batted .251/.333/.307. Gerber was let go by the Detroit Tigers and the Giants picked him up off of waivers. His cup of coffee with the Tigers turned into a slash of .095/.170/.119.

The Giants are a far cry from their World Series winning ways earlier in the decade. With aging players and massive contracts, a player like Gonzalez might not fit into the team’s plans. But, he’s still a good player and could be useful in their young outfield.

He knows the NL West, and he knows how to manage a sprawling right field like the one in Oracle Park. In fact, he has played more games against the Giants than any other team. In 561 at-bats, he’s hit .262/.333/.449 with 19 home runs.

Hopefully, he’ll sign somewhere soon. Gonzalez is a good player who deserves to continue showcasing his talents. It’s a shame that it takes so long for someone like Gonzalez to find a home in these slow-moving off-season.