Reports: Rockies near agreement to bring back CarGo

The Colorado Rockies are on the verge of bringing back three-time All-Star Carlos Gonzalez for another season, according to multiple reports Friday.

Gonzalez became a free agent after concluding a seven-year, $80 million deal and found no takers after a poor 2017 campaign (.262 batting average, 14 home runs, 57 RBI). But the Rockies are closing in on a one-year deal with the outfielder after noticing they missed his presence around the team.

The 32-year-old Gonzalez has slugged 211 of his 215 career homers during his nine seasons with Colorado. Despite his diminished numbers last season, CarGo's stature with Rockies players is anything but diminished.

"I think it would be safe to say that everyone here misses him really badly," All-Star third baseman Nolan Arenado told the Denver Post.

Arenado and All-Star center fielder Charlie Blackmon are among the players who lobbied the organization to re-sign Gonzalez.

"He's a good player with a lot of ability, but also, I really enjoy off-the-field CarGo," Blackmon told reporters. "He keeps things light, he keeps things in perspective. He lets you remember that we're playing a game and that it's supposed to be fun.

"Especially when you're down the stretch and trying to make a playoff run, you need to remember that occasionally."

Gonzalez has hit more than 20 home runs six times and drove in at least 100 runs twice in his career. He also won the 2010 National League batting title with a .336 average when he slammed 34 homers with 117 RBI while finishing third in NL MVP balloting.

Overall, he has three .300 seasons and a career average of .288. He also has 3 Gold Gloves.

--Field Level Media