Phillies Are Reportedly Interested in OF Carlos Gonzalez
The Phillies remain active at the MLB Winter Meetings, exploring a variety of possibilities to boost their club in 2018. There has been some talk of adding a veteran presence in the lineup. Could that veteran presence come from free agent outfielder Carlos Gonzalez?
Jon Heyman of Fan Rag Sports has the Phillies as one of the teams interested in Gonzalez's services:
Gonzalez is not likely to command a long-term deal.
Once one of the bigger All-Stars in the game, Gonzalez had a down year in 2017, batting just .262 and hitting 14 home runs. In 2016, Gonzalez was an All-Star, batting .298 while hitting 25 home runs and driving in 100 runs. To try to rebuild his value, Gonzalez may be seeking a one-year deal before hitting free agency again in another year. Citizens Bank Park and his left-handed swing might be a good match.
Gonzalez has three All-Star appearances, three gold glove awards, two silver sluggers, and he finished third in MVP voting in 2010.
The Phillies have outfielders Nick Williams, Odubel Herrera and Aaron Altherr at the moment, but lack a left-handed power bat that could hit behind first baseman Rhys Hoskins. The Phillies might be looking play mix and match with the outfield should all remain healthy. Any of the Phillies outfielders very well could be in play in a trade, too.