The New York Mets will have their wallets wide open in 2014 and they have no outfielders in their farm system ready for the majors. The Colorado Rockies have one of the Top 10, arguably Top 5, outfielders in Carlos Gonzalez. Currently, the Rockies are in contention for the N.L. West title. However, if they fall out of the run, is it possible that the Mets can work a deal to acquire Cargo?
The most important part about Gonzalez is the money. Sandy Alderson is not a big spender and if he's going to spend, he wants to make sure he's getting quality. Gonzalez is owed under $65 million over the next four years. This season, Gonzalez will make $7.5 million and looking at his numbers, with 20 home runs and 56 RBI, he's matching last season's numbers, where he hit 22 home runs and drove in 85 runs, in less than half the time.
The one problem with Gonzalez is his susceptibility to injuries. In the past three years, Gonzalez has missed 69 games. A few days ago, Gonzalez was whacked with a foul ball while he was waiting on the batting circle. Luckily, for the Rockies and himself, he was able to get back in the lineup.
Gonzalez is a huge part of the Rockies offense that is tops in the MLB. They are tied for second with 91 home runs and are second with a .276 batting average. As a result, the Rockies are currently battling in the N.L. West, sitting just half a game behind the first place Arizona Diamondbacks.
However, the Rockies' future might change, however, as Troy Tulowitzki will miss some time after breaking a rib. If Colorado finds itself out of the playoff picture before the July deadline, cue in the Mets. New York will be looking to stack up on some of the finer talents on the market after this season is over. If they can start now with a guy like Gonzalez, it would not hurt at all.
Here's how Gonzalez's contract stacks up over the next four seasons. He'll still be in his prime when he's owed the most money, which is why trading for him is a decent risk.
Carlo$ Gonzalez
Age 28: 2014- $10 Million
Age 29: 2015- $16.5 Million
Age 30 2016- $17 Million
Age 31 2017- $20 Million