Indians sign Carlos Gonzalez to minor-league deal

The Indians have signed outfielder Carlos Gonzalez to a minor-league contract, according to Jon Heyman of Fancred and Daniel Alvarez Montes of El Extrabase.

Jorge Urribarri first reported that Gonzalez was going to sign with the Tribe.

Gonzalez heads to the Indians after having a quality career with the Rockies for the most part. After being trades by the Athletics in 2008, the 33-year-old left-handed hitter slashed .290/.349/.516 with 227 home runs and 749 RBI in 5,069 plate appearances across 1,247 games with the Rockies. During that time, he earned three All-Star appearances (2012, 2013 and 2016), won three Gold Glove awards (2010, 2012, and 2013), claimed two Silver Slugger awards (2010 and 2015) and won the NL batting title in 2010 with 197 hits.

However, things started to go south for Gonzalez in terms of production following his 2016 campaign (25 homers, 100 RBI, 174 hits, .298/.350/.505 slash line). In 2017, Gonzalez had only 123 hits, 14 homers and 57 RBI while slashing .262/.339/.423 in 136 games. Last season, Gonzalez had 128 hits, 16 homers and 64 RBI while only hitting .276/.329/.467 in 132 games.

Still, Gonzalez can have a good shot at being a part of the Indians, as their outfield at the major-league level is weak to say the least. The Tribe’s outfield consists of Leonys Martin, Tyler Naquin, Jordan Luplow, and Greg Allen after they saw Michael Brantley, Lonnie Chisenhall, Brandon Guyer and Melky Cabrera all leave for free agency. In addition, Bradley Zimmer is still rehabbing from right shoulder surgery, which he had last July.