The Mariners are adding depth to their outfield. agreeing Tuesday to a minor league contract with former All-Star Carlos Gonzalez, according to a person with knowledge of the deal.
Gonzalez’s deal is pending a successful physical, the person told The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because the team had not announced the agreement. If added to the 40-man roster, Gonzalez would get a one-year contract with a $750,000 salary in the major leagues.
USA Today first reported the deal.
Gonzalez is several years removed from being at his best when he was in Colorado. Gonzalez was an All-Star in 2012-13 and 2016 with the Rockies. The 34-year-old played with the Rockies through 2018 when he hit .276 with 16 home runs and 64 RBIs in 132 games for Colorado.
Last season, Gonzalez signed a minor league deal with Cleveland and was called up by the Indians in mid-April. He appeared in 30 games, then was cut.
Gonzalez latched on with the Cubs, lasted just 15 games and was released in late June. He batted .200 in 145 plate appearances and did not play during the final three months of the season.
Gonzalez would appear to be a longshot to make Seattle’s roster with the Mariners focus on their young players and a glut of corner outfielders. But the unknown status of Mitch Haniger following core muscle surgery has opened up an opportunity in right field, at least early in the season. Gonzalez is likely to be lumped in with the likes of Jake Fraley, Braden Bishop and Kyle Lewis in competition for the corner outfield spots until Haniger returns.
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