Joe Nicholson - USA Today Sports
Joe Nicholson - USA Today Sports

Cubs reportedly sign former All-Star outfielder


by - Senior Editor -

The Cubs are signing 33-year old outfielder Carlos Gonzalez on a minor league deal according to multiple reports. He will be joining the Iowa Cubs on Saturday and when promoted will receive the pro-rated minimum league contract.

Gonzalez was recently by the Indians on May 22 after batting .210 with two homers, seven RBIs with a .558 OPS in 117 plate appearances (30 games).

This is a pretty low-risk move as you stash the veteran in Triple-A and bring him up if you need an extra outfielder besides Mark Zagunis, Ian Happ, and Jim Adduci. The Cubs are probably hoping that Gonzalez catches fire being part of a pennant race and able to contribute and re-live some of his former glory. Obviously, with the absence of Ben Zobrist, a roster spot is up for grabs and he could work himself in to the mix as a lefty hitter off the bench.

Back in 2016, he hit .298 with 25 homers and drove in 100 RBI.

For his 11-year career, Gonzalez is a .285 hitter with 233 homers and 783 RBI. Some of his past accolades with his 10-years with the Colorado Rockies included being a three-time All-Star (2012, 2013, 2016), three-time Gold-Glove winner (2010, 2012, 2013) and NL batting champion in 2010. The last two years, he has been only a combined .232 hitter.

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