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Los Angeles Dodgers: Adrian Gonzalez is not done just yet

By David Hill

LOS ANGELES, CA - AUGUST 25: Adrian Gonzalez #23 of the Los Angeles Dodgers looks on during the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Dodger Stadium on August 25, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Masterpress/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - AUGUST 25: Adrian Gonzalez #23 of the Los Angeles Dodgers looks on during the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Dodger Stadium on August 25, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Masterpress/Getty Images) /
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When last we saw former Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, he was struggling during his time with the New York Mets. Gonzalez appeared in just 54 games before being released, never to be seen in the majors again. It would be fair to assume that he had quietly retired, fading away without fanfare.

But that is not the case. Instead, at 39 years old, Gonzalez is making a comeback in the Mexican League, signing with the expansion Guadalajara Mariachis. This signing serves two purposes – the expansion team has their marquee player and Gonzalez can get himself in shape with the hope of playing for the Mexican Team in the Olympics.

Former Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez not done yet

At this point, Gonzalez is mainly remembered as part of an ill-fated Red Sox team. In an attempt to boost ratings and appease the fanbase with more big names, Gonzalez and Carl Crawford were brought to Boston. Neither player worked out, and both were shipped to the Dodgers as part of an infamous salary dump in 2012.

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But that dismisses the player that he was over the course of his career. Gonzalez posted a .287/.358/.485 batting line in his 8046 major league plate appearances, hitting 317 homers and 437 doubles. He was a five time All Star and four time Gold Glove winner, finishing in the top ten in the MVP vote three times.

This does not mean that he is satisfied with his career accomplishments. As he had previously represented his home country in youth ball, the Caribbean World Series, and the World Baseball Classic, he has just one more tournament to knock off the list. His goal of representing Mexico in the Olympics is all that has kept him from retirement.

Whenever that time does come, it will mark the end of a long and storied career for the former Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman. He had been one of the top prospects in the game before his time in the majors, and was one of the best at his position. His accomplishments are certainly respectable.

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That does not mean Adrian Gonzalez is done. He is back playing in the Mexican League with an eye towards the Olympics.

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