Adrian Gonzalez’s tenure with the Los Angeles Dodgers came to an end during the offseason, as he was traded to the Atlanta Braves along with Brandon McCarthy, Scott Kazmir and Charlie Culberson, in exchange for Matt Kemp in what was a salary dump for both clubs.
Gonzalez did not last long in Atlanta, though, as he was designated for assignment shortly after being traded. He wound up signing with the New York Mets, which gives him a better chance to earn an everyday role this spring.
Because the Braves are paying the entirety of his contract in 2018, Gonzalez became an appealing free agent as teams could get him for a minimum contract.
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, two other teams made offers to Gonzalez before he signed with the Mets and he also had a tentative agreement to return to the Dodgers in a reduced role:
Adrian Gonzalez said he received two offers for strong opportunity to be starting 1B before deciding on #Mets. If he did not have that offer, offer, had tentative agreement to rejoin #Dodgers as role player. Thrilled to be in NY
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) February 20, 2018
The 2017 season was a difficult one for Gonzalez. He was placed on the disabled list for the first time in his career, which limited to just 71 games due to a herniated disc in his back. He batted just .242/.287/.355 with three home runs and 30 RBIs, which were all career lows.
With Cody Bellinger taking over the everyday job at first base, trading Gonzalez made a lot of sense for both sides, which is why he ultimately waived his no-trade clause to make it happen.
If he proves he is healthy and can get back to his old self, then Gonzalez will get the opportunity to be the Mets starting first baseman. Even while he was still with the Dodgers and sitting out the postseason, Gonzalez made it clear of his desire to start this season.
