Oscar Gonzalez #39 of the Cleveland Guardians
The San Diego Padres have bolstered their outfield depth by signing former Cleveland Guardians outfielder Oscar González to a minor league contract, according to his transactions tracker on MLB.com. González, 27, has been assigned to the Padres’ Triple-A affiliate, El Paso Chihuahuas, for the time being. While the deal is a minor league one, it’s expected that the outfielder will be invited to major league spring training, giving him an opportunity to compete for a spot on the Padres’ 2024 roster.
González’s Ups and Downs: From Breakout to Struggles
González’s journey through the big leagues has been a mix of promise and setbacks. After making his major league debut with the Cleveland Guardians in 2022, he quickly captured attention with his powerful bat. In 91 games that year, González hit 11 home runs, posted a solid .296/.327/.461 slash line, and posted a 123 wRC+, all while earning fan-favorite status with his walk-up music — the SpongeBob SquarePants theme song — and a dramatic walk-off, series-clinching home run in the 15th inning of the Wild Card round against the Tampa Bay Rays.
However, 2023 was a much tougher year for González. His strikeout rate surged to 25.6%, and his walk rate plummeted to a dismal 2.8%. With just two home runs in 54 games and a .214/.239/.312 slash line, his production took a significant dive, and he was unable to provide value with his bat or glove. The Guardians ultimately put him on waivers, where he was claimed by the New York Yankees, though the Yankees later passed him through waivers unclaimed before the 2024 season.
A Fresh Start with the Padres
After a solid but unspectacular stint in Triple-A with the Yankees’ Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, where he hit .294/.333/.469 with eight home runs in 78 games, González entered free agency. His numbers were somewhat reminiscent of his 2022 season, with a strikeout rate around 20% and a walk rate just under 5%, but he wasn’t able to break through to the majors in New York, which had a crowded outfield mix that included Aaron Judge, Juan Soto, Alex Verdugo, and Trent Grisham.
Now, González has a new opportunity with the Padres, who are coming off a disappointing 2023 season and have seen some turnover in their outfield. With Jurickson Profar and David Peralta both leaving via free agency, there is a clear opening in left field, a spot González could potentially fill. While Fernando Tatis Jr. and Jackson Merrill are expected to man two outfield spots, left field remains a bit of a question mark.
The Padres have a few options on the 40-man roster, including Tirso Ornelas, Eguy Rosario, and Brandon Lockridge, but none of those players have significant major league experience, with less than 50 games played at the big league level among the three. The Padres could still look to add another veteran outfielder, and there’s speculation that they might even consider bringing back Jurickson Profar, a popular figure in San Diego.
A Cheap, Low-Risk Option
For the Padres, González represents a low-risk, high-reward option. His minor league deal means the Padres aren’t committing much financially, and with González still not arbitration-eligible, he would come at a very affordable price. If he impresses during spring training and earns a spot on the major league roster, he could serve as a valuable depth piece, especially given that he still has options remaining and would not necessarily need to be on the big league roster to provide value.
While González’s defensive abilities are considered subpar, his power potential and ability to contribute offensively could still make him a useful player in a reserve role or as a potential platoon option in left field. With the Padres’ ongoing financial concerns and the need to make smart, cost-effective moves this offseason, González offers a compelling depth option who could emerge as a key contributor, or at the very least, provide insurance in the event of injuries or underperformance.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Oscar González?
For González, this is a crucial opportunity to rebound after a tough 2023 season and earn his way back to the majors. While the Padres are expected to make additional moves to solidify their roster, González’s minor league deal gives him a shot at earning a spot on the opening day roster. If he can rediscover the form he showed in 2022, he could be a valuable part of the Padres’ outfield mix in 2024.
It will be interesting to see how González fares during spring training and whether he can make a strong case to stick with the Padres. Whether or not he secures a roster spot, his addition provides the Padres with depth and flexibility as they continue to shape their roster for the upcoming season.
