Indians sign Carlos Gonzalez to minor-league contract
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.