Carlos Gonzalez, Left Field


Date of Birth: 10/17/1985
Birthplace: Maracaibo, Venezuela
Nickname: CarGo

Carlos Gonzalez, left fielder, was first signed by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2002 but he never played with them. He spent seven years in the minor leagues for the Diamondbacks before they traded him in December, 2007, to the Oakland Athletics. Gonzalez was finally called up to the major leagues on May 30, 2008, playing in 85 games with the Athletics that season.

After only a fair showing in 2008, with a .242 batting average, 73 hits, and 22 doubles, the Athletics traded Gonzalez in November, 2008, to the Colorado Rockies. In 2009, he played in 89 games with the Rockies, spending the rest of the season in the minor leagues. The following season, his first full one in the majors, was his best season, with a .336 batting average, 197 hits, 34 doubles, 34 home runs, 117 RBIs, and 26 stolen bases.

The Rockies, in January, 2011, signed Gonzalez to a seven-year, $80.5 million contract extension. He finished the 2014 season with 62 hits, 15 doubles, and a .238 batting average in just 70 games. He had a full season in 2015, finishing with 150 hits, 25 doubles, a career high 40 home runs, 97 RBIs, and a .271 batting average in 153 games.

Gonzalez had a strong 2016 season. He batted .298 with 174 hits, a career high 42 doubles, 25 home runs, and 100 RBIs in 150 games. As the Rockies' right fielder, he made 251 putouts and 3 errors in 148 games.

In 2017, Gonzalez had a .262 batting average with 123 hits, 34 doubles, 14 home runs, 57 RBIs, and 119 strikeouts to 56 walks in 136 games. Defensively, as the Rockies' right fielder in 125 games, he made 201 putouts and 3 errors. He had a .986 fielding percentage.

Gonzalez has won three Gold Gloves (2010, 2012, 2013) and two Silver Slugger awards (2010, 2015). In 2010, he also won the National League batting title.

Gonzalez played in 132 games in 2018. He finished the season with 128 hits, 32 doubles, 16 home runs, 64 RBIs, 113 strikeouts to 37 walks, and a .276 batting average. Defensively, as a right fielder, he made 213 putouts and 2 errors. He had a .991 fielding percentage.

Gonzalez became a free agent on October 29, 2018. He signed a minor league contract with the Cleveland Indians on March 19, 2019. He was released on May 26th. He signed a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs on June 1st, and he was designated for assignment on June 29th. He elected free agency on July 2nd. In 2019, he batted .200 with 29 hits in 39 games with the Indians and 15 games with the Cubs.

Gonzalez signed a minor league contract with the Seattle Mariners on February 11, 2020. He was released by the team on June 25th. He didn't play professional baseball in 2020 and 2021.

Statistics for Gonzalez in twelve seasons (2008-2019) in the major leagues include:

  • 4 seasons with 150 or more hits, with a high of 197 in 2010
  • 5 seasons with over 30 doubles, with a high of 42 in 2016
  • 5 seasons with over 20 home runs, with a high of 40 in 2015
  • 4 seasons with 20 or more stolen bases, with a high of 26 in 2010
  • 3 seasons with a batting average over .300, with a high of .336 in 2010

Career batting statistics for Gonzalez through 2019 include:

  • 1,377 games played
  • 1,432 hits
  • 302 doubles
  • 234 home runs
  • 122 stolen bases
  • 785 RBIs
  • 1,240 strikeouts to 448 walks
  • .285 batting average

Personal Life

Gonzalez and his wife Indonesia were married on October 20, 2012.

Sources for Information
Wikipedia - Carlos Gonzalez
ESPN Sports - Carlos Gonzalez