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Monday 23 of December 2024

Indians sign OF Carlos Gonzalez to minor league contract


AP Photo,FILE - In this June 18, 2018, file photoColorado Rockies' Carlos Gonzalez walks in the dugout after scoring against the New York Mets during the second inning of a baseball game in Denver. A person familiar with the agreement says Gonzalez intends to sign a minor league contract with the Cleveland Indians. Gonzalez, who played the past 10 seasons with Colorado, will sign once he completes a physical and join the Indians at spring training, said the person who spoke Saturday, March 16, to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the deal has not been finalized. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey, File)
AP Photo,FILE - In this June 18, 2018, file photoColorado Rockies' Carlos Gonzalez walks in the dugout after scoring against the New York Mets during the second inning of a baseball game in Denver. A person familiar with the agreement says Gonzalez intends to sign a minor league contract with the Cleveland Indians. Gonzalez, who played the past 10 seasons with Colorado, will sign once he completes a physical and join the Indians at spring training, said the person who spoke Saturday, March 16, to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the deal has not been finalized. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey, File)

GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — Free agent Carlos Gonzalez has signed a minor league contract with the Cleveland Indians, who just might have an outfield spot for the three-time All-Star.

Gonzalez could help the Indians settle their outfield situation, which became muddled following the club’s decision not to re-sign All-Star Michael Brantley and other moves.

The 33-year-old Gonzalez spent 10 seasons with Colorado and was one of the team’s best players and emotional leader. He left the Rockies after 2017 before re-signing with Colorado last March to a one-year, $5 million contract.

If he makes Cleveland’s 40-man roster, Gonzalez will get a $2 million contract in the majors. He can earn $1 million more in bonuses.

A .287 career hitter with 231 home runs, Gonzalez was streaky last season when he batted .276 with 16 homers and 64 RBIs. Gonzalez hit 40 homers in 2015, and he might be able to help Cleveland offset the loss of slugger Edwin Encarnacion.

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