Although both Carlos Gonzalez and Rockies GM Jeff Bridich have publcly expressed interest in exploring a new long-term deal before the three-time All-Star hits free agency next winter, Gonzalez tells Mark Kiszla of the Denver Post that the team has yet to approach his camp in serious negotiations.
“I felt like (Bridich) was trying to make sure where we were, in terms of whether I wanted to be here or not,” Gonzalez tells Kiszla. “But after that, there’s been zero talks.”
Gonzalez firmly put the onus on Bridich and his staff to begin negotiations, stating that “the team needs to approach us” and adding “it’s up to them.” Kiszla asked Bridich for a comment on the possibility of extension talks continuing into the season, the GM declined to discuss the matter.
Gonzalez, 31, has stated his desire to remain with the Rockies in the past, though there’s certainly an argument to be made that the team is well-suited to play on without him in the long term. Longtime top prospect David Dahl impressed in his Major League debut last season, while offseason signee Ian Desmond could shift back to the outfield in the wake of a theoretical Gonzalez departure. Desmond is slated to spend the 2017 season at first base, but his versatility affords the Rockies some flexibility as they look toward their future roster construction. The Rox also still have Charlie Blackmon controlled through the 2018 campaign, and promising outfield prospect Raimel Tapia is coming off a strong year split between Double-A and Triple-A.
Furthermore, Gonzalez will be 32 years of age this coming October, so a long-term pact for the slugger would run well into his mid-30s. The Rockies have taken a definitive win-now approach this offseason, and clogging the long-term payroll with a new commitment could both hinder their financial outlook down the road and create issues in retaining other stars. Perennial MVP candidate Nolan Arenado, for instance, is controlled through the 2019 season — the same point at which hopeful cornerstones Trevor Story, Jon Gray and Tyler Anderson will be reaching arbitration eligibility.
While Colorado’s currently minimal commitments beyond the 2018 campaign do technically create room for a new CarGo deal to fit into the books, Bridich and his lieutenants may also simply feel better served to leave space to lock up various members of the team’s increasingly youthful core.
Gonzalez is set to earn $20MM in 2017 — the final season of a seven-year, $80MM extension that he signed prior to the 2011 season. After several injury-shortened seasons, he’s averaged 152 games played and batted a healthy .285/.337/.522 with 65 homers, 67 doubles and four triples over the past two years.
Perfect picture
Of course not
The Rockies are loaded with offensive talent, but limited on the pitching talent
The Yankees really should sign this guy if he hits FA. Let the young whipper snappers run around the outfield & let CarGo launch homers over the little league wall as the DH for a few years.
I can’t deal with another season full of cargo rumors… Do something with him already!!!
They will need someone to offer something good
Tulu rumors went on longer
My sentiments exactly.
I know. Can’t they die like the Julio Teheran ones did.
When do his 10-5 rights kick in? He’s getting close, and he’d have to be moved before then.
2 more years at least
Season 8 almost for him
May 20 or 30th 2008 major league debut for Oakland
I don’t know if he spent the whole time up and how much he went down until he got to Colorado later that year
Unless he re-signs the the Rockies a year from now that won’t be an issue
Yeah I know
I see him being traded to something stupid
Like insert a stupid team
Some (not I, of course) would say he’s already with one…
Yes i know
Rockies are a stupid team that wears purple
All teams are stupid
Cargo will take an extension when Aroldis Chapman takes one.
Sign him for 3 years 60-65 mil
I’d like the Bosox to look at him as as the DH after this year.
As a Yankee fan I have wished the Yanks would pick up cargo in a trade or if he hits free agency. But don’t be shocked if he goes to Boston and becomes their DH.
No big extension for Cargo. Rox have 5 other solid outfielders-Blackmon ,Desmond, Parra, Dahl and now Tapia. Trade Carlos for pitching help, and the Rox always need that. He can still swing the bat and has a very good outfield arm.