GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- All things considered, the Cleveland Indians' signing of Carlos Gonzalez was a low profile one.
Although he's a 3-time All-Star, the 33-year-old hasn't been selected to the Midsummer Classic since 2016. And with two down years having preceded his new minor league contract, it seems unlikely Gonzalez will be a member of the Indians' Opening Day roster nine days from now.
That, however, is not to say that Cleveland's signing of Gonzalez won't wind up being significant. In fact, speaking to reporters at the Indians' Spring Training facility in Goodyear on Tuesday, the former Colorado Rockie revealed that Cleveland wasn't his only suitor this offseason.
"I had another offer from the [San Francisco] Giants," Gonzalez said. "But it was pretty much going to the same division. Between the Indians and the Giants, that's why I decided to come here. This is what I wanted to do."
There were other reasons as well.
For one, after making the past two postseasons in Colorado, the 2-time Silver Slugger was hoping to continue to contend. And despite an underwhelming offseason to this point, Cleveland is still in position to do just, with betting odds listing the Indians as a -450 favorite to win the American League Central for a fourth consecutive season.
"Looking at the roster, the past and this organization, I think it was a pretty easy decision," Gonzalez said. "This was a team that not too long ago was playing in the World Series. As a baseball player, I think that's everybody's dream. You want to be on that stage. You want to be in a position to win a championship. This team is still in that category."
It also helped that for as attractive as Cleveland's win-now window is to Gonzalez, the Indians could use an experienced -- and proven -- outfielder.
After losing All-Star Michael Brantley to the Houston Astros in free agency, Cleveland did little to bolster its outfield -- especially at the corner positions. Instead, the Indians have relied on youngsters like Tyler Naquin, Jordan Luplow, Greg Allen and a platooning Jake Bauers, only to have the same questions remaining nine days away from the season opener.
Enter Gonzalez, who according to manager Terry Francona won't start the season with the team as he continues to work his way into playing shape. At this point, the Indians don't even know if he'll remain in Goodyear or begin the season in Triple-A Columbus. But as evidenced by his decision to sign with Cleveland, Gonzalez is well aware of the opportunity that still exists for him at the major league level.
"The way Spring Training and everything was going, this was a perfect fit for me," Gonzalez said. "That's what I told my agent. At the beginning it was more like, 'Hey, I really want to be on that squad. If you get the chance to get me on board. I'm ready and push for the opportunity.
"I'm glad the opportunity came."
