David Schoenfield of ESPN speculates that with Michael Cuddyer expected to accept his $15.3 million qualifying offer, the Colorado Rockies now find themselves with a glut in the outfield.
So by giving Cuddyer that offer, the Rockies are betting on his return and given that Justin Morneau is still under contract, Cuddyer will play in right field the majority of the time.
“The Rockies also have Cory Dickerson, Charlie Blackmon, Drew Stubbs and Brandon Barnes for the outfield … and Carlos Gonzalez.”
Schoenfield says the Rockies have basically put a “For Sale” sign up on CarGo, even if that means selling low after an injury-riddled season that saw him play just 70 games. He lists the Mets among ten potential suitors:
“They have the starting pitching depth to go after Gonzalez and Mets left fielders hit .219 with six home runs (fewest in the majors) in 2014 so he’s a good fit. But is he worth Zack Wheeler or Noah Syndergaard? And would the Mets want to take on CarGo’s salary?
Gonzalez, 28, is signed for three more years: $16.4 million in 2015, $17.4 in 2016, and $20.4.in 2017.
Last season he batted just .238/.232/.431 with 11 home runs and 38 RBI, but like Wright for the Mets, he played hurt most of the season and two DL stints. He owns a career .294/.351/.520 batting line and was an All-Star in 2012 and 2013 and nearly won the Triple Crown in 2010.
Before he was injured, several reports said that Sandy Alderson had inquired about Gonzalez, so we do know there was some previous interest in him. In fact Jon Heyman went as far as saying the Mets may have offered a package that included Noah Syndergaard at the time.
With Jeff Bridich replacing Dan O’Dowd as general manager, I can see him trying to put his stamp on the team and that could mean CarGo gets dealt this offseason.
What do you say Met fans?
