It’s been reported in multiple papers that the Diamondbacks will not be offering left fielder Luis Gonzalez a contract for 2007. He’ll join a robust free agent left fielder market this winter.
The average left fielder posts an OPS in the .810-.825 range, while Gonzalez stands at .824 this season. A second half doubles surge, which included a .906 OPS, has brought him up to that mark after a subpar first half in the power department. Baseball Prospectus projects a .266/.355/.463 line from him next year (that’d be an .818 OPS in his age 39 season). Such a performance would justify a one-year deal for $2.5MM, according to BP.
According to an Arizona Republic article, Gonzalez could play for his hometown Devil Rays but probably prefers to remain in the NL. The Cardinals would be a pretty good fit if they chose not to rely on Chris Duncan. The Giants might be another possibility.
