Yankees Claim Outfielder Oscar Gonzalez Off Waivers from Guardians
ICARO Media Group
This move comes as the Yankees look to bolster their roster with additional outfield options during the offseason.
Gonzalez, who is set to turn 26 in January, gained popularity amongst fans in Cleveland during the 2022 season. He captivated the crowd by using a popular cartoon's theme song as his walk-up music, while also making significant contributions to the Guardians' successful postseason run.
Throughout 91 games in the 2022 season, Gonzalez showcased his batting prowess with an impressive slash line of .296/.327/.461 (125 OPS+). He recorded 27 doubles, 11 home runs, and 43 RBIs, which solidified his position as a key player for Cleveland. Among his memorable moments was a clutch walk-off two-run single in the American League Division Series against the Yankees, propelling the Guardians to victory.
However, Gonzalez faced challenges during the past year, leading to his demotion to Triple-A in May. He later returned to the Major Leagues in July but struggled to regain his previous form. In a total of 54 games, Gonzalez's overall slash line dipped to .214/.239/.312 (53 OPS+). He managed to hit seven doubles, two triples, two homers, and drive in 12 runs.
With the acquisition of Gonzalez, the Yankees envision him serving as a depth option on their roster. General manager Brian Cashman has stated that the team is actively seeking to add at least two outfielders this offseason, preferably left-handed hitters. In their pursuit, the Yankees have expressed interest in trading for the Padres' Juan Soto and are also linked to free agent Cody Bellinger, among other potential options.
As the Yankees make strategic moves to strengthen their outfield, the addition of Oscar Gonzalez brings a mix of past success and potential for growth. Fans will be watching closely as the team continues to shape their roster ahead of the upcoming season.