The San Diego Padres sign outfielder according to the MLB.com transactions log. This move is one of the Padres’ early signings of the offseason, and he has been assigned to Triple-A El Paso to begin his time with the organization.
The talented outfielder has struggled to secure a permanent role in the major leagues. He initially signed with Cleveland as an international free agent in 2014, making his way to the minor leagues in 2016. He was named the Arizona League MVP in his first season and continued to rise through the minors, reaching Triple-A in 2021.
The outfielder made his MLB debut in May 2022 after being promoted to the majors for the first time. He went on to play in 91 games for the Guardians that season, posting a solid .296/.327/.461 slash line with 107 hits, 39 runs, 11 home runs, and 43 RBIs.
However, the success from his first season did not carry over into 2023. González struggled, finishing with a .214/.239/.312 slash line, recording 37 hits, 15 runs, two home runs, and 12 RBIs. His wins above replacement dropped to -1.4, marking a significant slump in his second year in the majors.
After the 2023 season, the New York Yankees claimed González off waivers, but he was later sent down to the minors, where he spent the entire 2024 season. González missed some time early in the season due to an orbital fracture, but he returned to play 78 games in Triple-A. During that stretch, he posted a solid .294/.333/.469 slash line, with 84 hits, 51 runs, eight home runs, and 43 RBIs, showing a strong rebound after his time away from the majors.
The Padres currently have two outfielders in Jackson Merrill and Fernando Tatis Jr., while Jurickson Profar is a free agent. Depending on whether the Padres re-sign Profar or sign another outfielder, González could compete for playing time in the outfield this offseason.
At just 26 years old and coming off a strong minor league season, González still holds considerable potential and could become a key asset for the Padres if he fulfills that promise.
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