The 18-year veteran is closing in on 2,600 career hits and 600 doubles. The question now is where the left-handed-hitting outfielder will end up in 2009.

Gonzalez formally filed for free agency on Tuesday, becoming the fourth and final eligible Marlin to put himself on the open market.

A leader coming off the bench for Florida in 2008, Gonzalez appeared in 136 games and finished batting .261 with eight home runs, 26 doubles and 47 RBIs.

Indications are that Gonzalez will sign elsewhere -- perhaps returning to Arizona, where he played from 1999-2006 and currently lives.

Another option is the American League, where the veteran could be a designated hitter.

On a youthful Florida squad this past season, Gonzalez accepted the role of leader and left-handed hitter off the bench. He did start on Opening Day in right field because Jeremy Hermida was on the disabled list. Gonzalez has started on Opening Day in each of his 18 seasons.

In an interview at the end of the season, the veteran noted that reaching 600 doubles is important to him. He currently has 596 two-baggers.

Gonzalez has compiled impressive credentials in his career, laying claim to 2,591 lifetime hits and 354 home runs.

Born and raised in Tampa, Fla., the Marlins signed Gonzalez to a one-year, $2 million contract in January. His influence was as much in the clubhouse as it was on the field.

A team leader from the first day of Spring Training, Gonzalez quickly earned the admiration of his teammates and the media for his professionalism.

Since the World Series ended, all four of Florida's eligible free agents have now filed. Gonzalez joins catcher Paul Lo Duca and lefty pitchers Mark Hendrickson and Arthur Rhodes on the market.