Gio Gonzalez will exercise his opt-out clause in his contract on Saturday. This move will give the Yankees 48 hours to add him to their major league roster, or to grant him his release.
Yesterday, MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand reported that Gonzalez has decided to change agents. The veteran left Scott Boras and will now be represented by CAA.
Agent news: Gio Gonzalez has left Scott Boras and is now represented by CAA, per sources. Gonzalez must be added to the Yankees’ roster by Saturday or he can request his release.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) April 19, 2019
Later on, Feinsand reported that there was an “increasing sense” that Gonzalez was intending on opting out of his deal. It was also noted that the Yankees do not have plans to add the left-hander to their big league roster.
According to a source, Gio Gonzalez plans to opt out of his deal with the Yankees on Saturday if he’s not added to the roster. The Yankees do not seemingly plan to add him, though that’s not a certainty. @JeffPassan reported earlier an “increasing sense” that he would opt out.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) April 19, 2019
After dealing with a tough free agent market during the offseason, Gonzalez settled on a minor league contract with the Yankees. With some starting pitching concerns (due to Luis Severino and CC Sabathia‘s injuries), there was a chance that Gonzalez could find his way onto the club’s big league roster.
However, Sabathia has since returned from injury, and Domingo German has been solid during his time in the rotation. Although the Yankees still could use some help with their starting rotation, it doesn’t seem likely that Gonzalez will get a shot in the Bronx.
The 33-year-old will likely hit the free agent market again, hoping to find a home with another big league club. There could be some potential interest from teams who need starting pitching, and the cross-town rival Mets could be a potential landing spot for the veteran.
Over his 11-year big league career, Gonzalez has posted a 127-97 record with a 3.69 ERA in 313 career games. He is a two-time All-Star and finished in the top six of the CY Young Award voting twice.
Once he officially opts-out, the Yankees will have 48 hours to make their decision. Will Gonzalez find a spot on the Yankees 25-man roster, or will the Bronx Bombers allow the veteran to find another home?
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