Cubs Could Be Ready to Move on and Cut Carlos Gonzalez
By Brian Cass
When the Chicago Cubs signed outfielder Carlos Gonzalez to a deal following his release from the Cleveland Indians this season, it was seen by many as a low-risk, high-reward move. Perhaps the once great slugger could provide some solid depth to the outfield, or so the Chicago front office thought, as Gonzalez has struggled to find any strength in his once dominant bat.
With pitcher Cole Hamels heading to the IL, the Cubs are expected to call up two pitchers. They'll need to make one more personnel move to clear space for those prospects, and all indications are that it's Gonzalez.
No official moves by Cubs, but expecting them to call up two arms Saturday. In clubhouse, veteran Carlos Gonzalez was gathered with some teammates. Received a few handshakes and hugs.
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) June 29, 2019
It would've been great to see Gonzalez go out with a bang this season, but it just hasn't panned out that way. Over 49 plate appearances with the Cubs, CarGo has a slash line of .175/.306/.300, far from the type of production we're accustomed to seeing out of the outfielder throughout his career.
Sounds like multiple roster moves coming as the Carlos Gonzalez reclamation project appears to be over. Roster looking very tired again, like late last season, seeing the Cubs making a lot of moves down the stretch to jumpstart this squad.
— Cubs Nation (@CubsNationCHI) June 29, 2019
With Gonzalez seemingly on the way out, the Cubs will have to find an adequate backup for their outfield. The free agent pool is a bit scarce right now, but perhaps the team could call up an outfield prospect while they try to figure out a solution to their dwindling depth.