MLB free agency: Rockies, Carlos Gonzalez still open to reunion

The Rockies are still looking into the possibility of bringing back star outfielder Carlos Gonzalez, according to Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports.

Heyman says the Rockies are “staying in contact” with Gonzalez, who has played nine of his 10 major-league seasons with the club. Heyman says Gonzalez has been “talking” to a couple of teams, including the World Series champion Astros, but Gonzalez has not found a deal “to his liking.”

A three-time All-Star, Gonzalez helped the Rockies go 87-75 and earn the second wild card in the National League despite having his worst year statistically. The 32-year-old slashed .262/.339/.423 with only 14 home runs and 57 RBI in 136 games. Before 2017, Gonzalez had blasted over 20 homers and drove in more than 70 runs in six of his nine seasons in the big leagues, with his best season being in 2010 when he tied for the major-league lead in total bases with 351 and led the NL with hits (197) and batting average (.336).

In spite of Gonzalez’s down year in 2017, the Rockies spoke highly of him on Monday, as third baseman Nolan Arenado and right-hander German Marquez said to Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post that the team greatly “misses him” and the leadership he brought to the organization. In addition, Arenado went on to say that he wants Gonzalez back on the team and that Gonzalez still can play at a high level at his age.

Other than the Astros and Rockies, the Orioles have also had interest in Gonzalez this offseason. Gonzalez did reportedly turn down a four-year extension from Colorado during spring training last season, hoping to get a big payday during this offseason.