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Report: Carlos Gonzalez Released by Mariners; Had Signed Minor League Contract
May 28, 2020
The Seattle Mariners have released Carlos Gonzalez after initially signing the outfielder to a minor league contract in February, according to Jon Heyman of MLB Network.
Seattle hadn't released any of its minor leaguers during spring training, which the coronavirus pandemic cut short, but team recently released more than 30 players, Heyman reported Thursday.
The three-time All-Star signed with Seattle on a one-year deal that would've paid him $750,000 plus performances bonuses if he made the team, according to Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times. He will instead become a free agent once again.
Gonzalez is best known for his 10 years with the Colorado Rockies when he hit .290 with 227 home runs, adding three Gold Gloves. He was at his peak in 2010 when he won the NL batting title and finished third in MVP voting.
The veteran tried to extend his career with the Cleveland Indians in 2019 but was released after 30 games and landed with the Chicago Cubs. Across the two organizations, he finished the season with a .200 batting average and three home runs in 45 games.
Seattle gave the 34-year-old another chance as a non-roster invitee, and he came through with a .273 average and .360 on-base percentage in 25 plate appearances during spring training.
With the season delayed, though, Gonzalez never got a full chance to prove he can still help a major league team. He will hope to get an opportunity with another club once the 2020 campaign begins.
The Mariners could also use some offense after finishing 2019 in last place in the AL West with a 68-94 record. The team's .237 batting average was the second-worst in the majors, ahead of only the Toronto Blue Jays.
After the latest rounds of cuts, the organization could look elsewhere for help.