The San Diego Padres recently signed outfielder to a minor league contract, according to the MLB.com transactions log. This move is among the Padres’ first of the offseason, and González has been assigned to Triple-A El Paso to begin his time with the organization.
A talented outfield prospect, González has yet to establish himself in the major leagues. Originally signed by Cleveland as an international free agent in 2014, he made his professional debut in the minor leagues in 2016. González earned Arizona League MVP honors in his first season and steadily progressed through Cleveland’s system, reaching Triple-A in 2021.
González got his first major league call-up in May 2022 and played in 91 games for the Guardians that season. He posted an impressive .296/.327/.461 slash line with 107 hits, 39 runs, 11 home runs, and 43 RBIs. However, his performance dipped significantly in 2023, with a .214/.239/.312 slash line, two home runs, and a -1.4 WAR.
After the 2023 season, González was claimed off waivers by the New York Yankees but spent all of 2024 in the minors due to an orbital fracture early in the year. Despite the setback, he rebounded strongly, appearing in 78 games at Triple-A and slashing .294/.333/.469 with 84 hits, 51 runs, eight home runs, and 43 RBIs.
With Jackson Merrill and Fernando Tatis Jr. currently anchoring the Padres’ outfield and Jurickson Profar a free agent, there may be opportunities for González to compete for playing time. At 26 years old and coming off a solid minor league season, he remains a promising player who could make a significant impact if he reaches his potential.
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