CHICAGO, Dec. 10 (UPI) -- The Chicago Cubs acquired veteran shortstop Alex Gonzalez from the Toronto Blue Jays Monday for Felix Heredia and a player to be named.
Gonzalez, 28, had the longest tenure of any Blue Jay. He is a steady fielder who has developed increasing power. Gonzalez will take over for starting shortstop Ricky Gutierrez, who was not offered arbitration by the Cubs.
Gonzalez batted .253 with 17 homers and 76 RBI last season -- all career highs. He also led all American League shortstops in assists, total chances and double plays.
He made news at last year's winter meetings when he signed a four-year, $24 million contract. As one of the few viable options at shortstop, Gonzalez cashed in.
A career .245 hitter over parts of eight seasons, Gonzalez has 83 homers, 350 RBI and 85 stolen bases in 890 career games.
