The 2022 season was remarkable for the Cleveland Guardians in several ways. They claimed their division title with 92 wins, introduced a distinctive style of baseball, and triumphed over the Tampa Bay Rays in a thrilling AL Wild Card series. They also played a tough series against the New York Yankees, although they were ultimately defeated in the ALDS.
Amidst all the victories and key moments, there was a promising young outfielder who appeared to be a future staple in the lineup: Oscar Gonzalez. However, as baseball often proves, things don’t always go as expected, and Gonzalez lost his place within the organization. Now, he’s getting another opportunity to secure a spot on an MLB roster, this time with the San Diego Padres.
“Former #Guardians OF has signed a minor league contract with the San Diego Padres for the 2025 season,” Guardians Prospective posted on X.
Gonzalez signed with the Guardians as an international free agent in 2014 and made his MLB debut in 2022. That year, he emerged as a playoff hero for Cleveland.
With a dramatic 15-inning home run, Gonzalez propelled the Guardians into the Division Series, eliminating the Rays in a memorable moment. Later, in the ALDS against the Yankees, he delivered a walk-off single in Game 3, giving Cleveland a 2-1 series lead, though they ultimately couldn’t hold on. With a 123 wRC+ in the regular season and his playoff heroics, he seemed destined to be a key starter in Cleveland’s outfield.
However, 2023 was a disastrous year for him, as he posted a 48 wRC+ over 180 plate appearances, causing him to lose his spot on the team. Gonzalez then joined the Yankees and spent much of the 2024 season in their minor league system. After electing free agency before the offseason, he is now seeking a fresh start with the Padres.
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