MLB Rumors: Teams interested in Miguel Gonzalez, but can he bounce back?

The Orioles released pitcher Miguel Gonzalez after a forgettable 2015 and rough spring. Can he turn things around, and for which MLB club?

It’s not uncommon for some recognizable names to shake loose right before Opening Day. Such is the case of pitcher Miguel Gonzalez, who was placed on release waivers by the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday. Today, after the completion of a 48-hour waiver period, he was granted his unconditional release and became a free agent.

The 31-year-old right-hander is already drawing interest from other clubs. According to SB Nation’s Chris Cotillo, four teams are currently in pursuit:

Which situation is the best fit for the four-year MLB veteran? And is there enough reason to believe that Gonzalez can bounce back from a disappointing 2015 campaign?

The Angels signed Gonzalez as an amateur free agent in 2004, but the Red Sox snagged him four years later in the Rule 5 Draft. After undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2009, he eventually caught on with the O’s and finally made his major league debut in May 2012.

He was a surprise success in Baltimore, posting a 3.25 ERA over his first 105.1 innings of work at the big league level. His solid production continued through the next two seasons, and overall Gonzalez managed a 30-21 record, 3.45 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 2.22 K/BB ratio during his first three years with the Orioles – respectable numbers in the offense-oriented AL East.

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Last year brought a significant letdown, however, as Gonzalez’s ERA ballooned to 4.91 in 144.2 frames. He put up career-worsts in WHIP (1.40), H/9 (9.4), HR/9 (1.5) and BB/9 (3.2). Injuries also took their toll, as he missed time due to an ailing groin and shoulder.

While the health issues could be an easy culprit for last season’s struggles, Gonzalez’s results this spring haven’t been promising either. He owns a ghastly 9.78 ERA in 19.1 innings, which likely played a decisive role in the Orioles’ decision to let him go. And while his fastball reliably averaged 91 mph in his four years in the majors, it has reportedly settled in the 87-88 range in Spring Training.

It’s also worth noting that Gonzalez has frequently outpitched his peripherals throughout his career. Even in his first three seasons he posted FIPs of 4.38, 4.45 and 4.89, well above his ERA each year. He was also the beneficiary of some friendly BABIP (.260, .260 and .273 from 2012-14). When that figure climbed to .295 last season, his other numbers followed suit.

A regression from Gonzalez shouldn’t have been all that shocking, but few probably expected his performance to take as much of a nosedive as it did in 2015. Can he turn it around in a new home for the upcoming campaign? While he could certainly improve upon his 4.91 ERA of a year ago, a return to the form of the three prior seasons is probably too optimistic. Set to turn 32 in May, it’s not unreasonable to say that Gonzalez’s best days might be behind him.

Nevertheless, he could still be a decent buy-low pickup for a team looking to add depth to the back of its rotation. The White Sox, described by Cotillo as Gonzalez’s most aggressive suitor, probably have the clearest need of the reported interested clubs. Even if he bounces back only modestly, Gonzalez would likely be an upgrade over John Danks or Mat Latos in the fourth or fifth slot.

Oakland makes some sense as a landing spot as well. The A’s might like Gonzalez as an alternative if penciled-in fifth starter Felix Doubront struggles. The expansive, pitcher-friendly Oakland Coliseum could also do Gonzalez some good from a performance standpoint.

Next: Rangers, Tribe talking trade

All things considered, it seems like Gonzalez will get another chance somewhere relatively quickly. Which team would be the best fit, and can he put himself back on track when he gets there? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.