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Indians sign Carlos Gonzalez to minor-league contract

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The Cleveland Indians announced Tuesday the signing of Carlos Gonzalez to a minor-league contract with a non-roster invite to spring training.

The deal includes an opt-out in early April if Gonzalez is not on Cleveland's big-league roster, according to Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY Sports.

The 33-year-old Gonzalez will earn $2 million if he makes the team and has an additional $1 million available in incentives, according to MLB Network's Jon Heyman.

Gonzalez could potentially provide the Indians with a much-needed impact bat in their outfield. Before fading in September and October last season, the veteran performed well at the dish.

Indians' OF options in 2019 (2018 Stats)

PLAYER G PA HR RBI OPS WAR
Carlos Gonzalez 132 504 16 64 .796 1.7
Leonys Martin 84 353 11 33 .747 2.5
Jake Bauers 96 388 11 48 .700 0.6
Tyler Naquin 61 183 3 23 .651 0.3
Jordan Luplow 37 103 3 7 .631 0.1

Gonzalez is a three-time All-Star and a three-time Gold Glove winner. However, he also posted minus-8 defensive runs saved in 2018, according to FanGraphs.

At the plate, the veteran owns a career .287/.345/.506 slash line with 231 home runs in 11 MLB seasons.

He spent the past 10 years playing for the Colorado Rockies.

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