The Colorado Rockies are poised to bring back a familiar face for 2018, as the club is reportedly close to a one-year deal with veteran outfielder Carlos Gonzalez, according to Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports.
Gonzalez, 32, spent the previous nine seasons in Colorado, earning three All-Star nominations, three Gold Gloves, and two Silver Slugger awards. In 2017, however, his performance dipped dramatically, as he accrued -0.2 WAR over 136 games while setting new full-season career worsts in OPS (.762), wRC+ (84), batting average (.262), and isolated power (.162). He fared much better after the All-Star break, hitting .314/.390/.531 with eight homers over his final 62 games, but Gonzalez didn't receive a $17.4-million qualifying offer from the Rockies at season's end.
If a deal is finalized, Gonzalez, who also reportedly drew interest this offseason from the Baltimore Orioles, Chicago White Sox, and San Francisco Giants, would likely reprise his role as the Rockies' primary right fielder, alongside center fielder Charlie Blackmon and a slew of potential left fielders.
