Rockies trade rumors: Several teams interested in Carlos Gonzalez

Colorado Rockies outfielder Carlos Gonzalez is drawing significant interest from multiple teams, CBS Sports' Jon Heyman reports:

Carlos Gonzalez's name is getting out there as possible trade candidate now. Teams seeking OF bat: o's, giants, royals, cardinals, etc.

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) December 9, 2015

After an injury-plagued 2014 season, Gonzalez set a career high with 40 home runs in 2015, finishing third in the NL behind Bryce Harper and Nolan Arenado, hitting .271/.325/.540 in the process. The strong 2015 represented a return to form for Gonzalez, who was an All-Star in 2012 and 2013.

Gonzalez has two years remaining on his current deal with the Rockies, a seven-year, $80 million pact he signed prior to the 2011 season. He will make $17 million in 2016 and $20 million in 2017, though that may be cheaper than some of the top end outfielders on the market like Jason Heyward and Alex Gordon. He could be a fall back option for teams that fail to land Heyward and Gordon.

After trading Troy Tulowitzki in July, the Rockies are clearly in rebuilding mode, especially considering the moves other teams in the NL West have made this offseason, so it makes sense for them to move Gonzalez for assets that can help them when a contention window opens for them in a few seasons.

Of the teams mentioned as possible trade partners by Heyman, it seems unlikely that the Rockies would trade Gonzalez to the division-rival Giants, though the other three teams all make a degree of sense as trade partners for Colorado as they can all offer the young pitching the Rockies undoubtedly would seek in a deal for Gonzalez.

After landing a pair of free agent relievers yesterday, talks around the Rockies seem to be heating up as the Winter Meetings wrap up, and Gonzalez is one of the main trade chips they have to further their rebuild.