Despite swirling rumors this offseason that he might be traded, per ESPN.com's David Schoenfield, it appears that Carlos Gonzalez will be remaining with the Colorado Rockies. At least for the time being, that is.
Jon Morosi of Fox Sports has more:
Gonzalez struggled throughout a tough 2014 season, hitting just .238 with 11 home runs and 38 RBI in 70 games. He was hampered by injuries throughout the year, missing time due to a giant-cell tumor in his finger and also a knee injury that required surgery in August.
Between that and a tough offseason that saw his wife Indonesia go through a difficult pregnancy that led to his twin daughters, Carlota and Genova, spending a week in the hospital, Gonzalez is keen to get the season started and turn things around.
"I play baseball the same way I used to as a little kid," he told Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post. "I just go out there and enjoy. I love the game. But of course life will always give you a challenge, and that's what I was going through last year. A lot of adversity and a lot of challenge. I'm really happy that it is finally over and in the past."
Still, with the Rockies stumbling to a 66-96 record this past year and Gonzalez set to make $16 million in 2015, $17 million in 2016 and $20 million in 2017, it was hardly surprising that the Rockies would consider trading their star outfielder to add young prospects and build for the future. That led to both Gonzalez and shortstop Troy Tulowitzki becoming the subject of trade rumors, via ESPN.com.
On the other hand, the Rockies might just be able to compete in the NL West if both players can stay healthy, as they have a dynamic offense with them in the lineup, per Chase Hughes of CSN Washington:
Both are exceptional talents, but neither can stay on the field. Having both players healthy won't solve all of the Rockies' problems from last season, but their offense is among the best in the game with them in the lineup. Few teams can keep up with the Rockies in terms of scoring runs, especially when they have the two MVP candidates as their anchors.
Having a healthy CarGo and Tulo gives the Rockies the opportunity to make some noise in the National League this season. But if the Rockies start slowly, well, don't be surprised if the trade rumors start anew and one of the talents is traded.
For now, they'll stick with the Rockies, it would seem. But given their big contracts and ability to bring a lot back in a trade, Colorado likely won't hesitate to move either player if a playoff berth seems out of the question.
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