When the New York Yankees signed LHP Gio Gonzalez to a 1-year minor league contract, fans saw it as the Death Star’s adding to its embarrassment of riches. Turns out, Yankee fans were wrong.
On Wednesday, the Milwaukee Brewers announced that they had signed Gio Gonzalez to a 1-year MLB deal worth $2M plus a potential $2M more in performance bonuses, leaving Yankees nation wondering, “whatever happened to the Death Star?”
Gio agreed to brewers deal: 2M base, which is equivalent of more than 2.3M over a full season. 2M in performance bonuses. Points system for bonuses. MLB deal.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) April 24, 2019
Gonzalez had previously signed with the New York Yankees on a minor-league deal that included an opt-out clause effective 4/20, which Gonzalez has clearly exercised. The deal could have been worth in excess of $3M plus $300k for each start.
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After Luis Severino went down with an injury that will keep him out indefinitely, many fans saw it as Gonzalez’s ticket to the rotation. And despite Gonzalez being referred to as Santa Claus by Yankee minor-leaguers, what Cashman decided to do instead was allow the veteran southpaw to exercise his opt-out clause.
Now, there’s no denying that this move is good for Gonzalez. After struggling with the Washington Nationals last season, he found new life after being traded to the same Milwaukee Brewers at the August 31st waiver deadline.
In 5 GS with Milwaukee last season, Gonzalez posted a 2.13 ERA and a 0.947 WHIP. Before that, he had featured a 4.57 ERA with a 1.531 WHIP with the Nats.
Gonzalez will add some much-needed pitching depth to a struggling staff that has lost Corey Knebel, Freddy Peralta, Jimmy Nelson, and Brent Sutter to the IL. Junior Guerra is also away on bereavement at this time.
After coming 1-game away from the 2018 World Series, the Brewers are currently reeling, losing 3 out of the last 10 games. By adding Gio Gonzalez, perhaps the team is looking to attempt to right the ship
I’m sure Yankees fans wish they had at least been given the opportunity to see what Gonzalez could do in pinstripes, the pleasure will go to Milwaukee.