Rockies outfielder Carlos Gonzalez is entering the final year of his contract, and hasn't been as productive in recent seasons as he was earlier in his career.

Even so, the Rockies are reportedly interested in signing Gonzalez to an extension that would keep him around beyond the 2017 season:

The unofficial English translation goes something like this: "The Rockies want an extension, but there are many things to negotiate before a deal is completed." Those things, one suspects, are years and money.

That Colorado is interested in an extension is a bit of an upset. The Rockies have outfield depth working in their favor -- be it Charlie Blackmon or David Dahl or prospect Raimel Tapia -- and Gonzalez would seem like someone the team would be more willing to trade or let walk as a result. Consider that Gonzalez turned 31 in October, and has seen his OPS+ dip from 133 (2010-13) to 109 (the last three seasons).

You can argue that the Coors Field factor isn't being properly accounted for, and that Gonzalez's marks are more impressive than believed -- we are talking about someone who last season homered 25 times and posted a .350 on-base percentage -- but that argument can cut both ways. Besides, no one is saying Gonzalez is a poor performer -- just that he isn't the star-level player he used to be, and that it would be surprising if the Rockies pony up to retain him beyond the 2017 season.

Perhaps Colorado thinks Gonzalez will give them a steep discount -- and/or that he's the best long-term option available at another position, like, say, first base. Who knows. We'll find out soon enough.