Although there’s no guarantee Gio Gonzalez will see the field as a member of the Yankees in the regular season, he’s excited about putting on the uniform in spring training. Gonzalez’s minor league deal with New York is now official, but he can opt out of the contract if he’s not added to the big league club by April 20.
First look at Gio Gonzalez in #Yankees gear pic.twitter.com/BwhKwmfmZ6
— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) March 20, 2019
“Wearing pinstripes for the first time is pretty exciting. I never thought in my wildest dreams I’d be a Yankee. I’m so happy to be a Yankee,” he said on Tuesday, according to Jon Heyman of MLB Network.
On Wednesday, Gonzalez continued to gush about his new team.
Gio Gonzalez's deal with the #Yankees is official.
"What stands out here is everyone throws hard, everyone is big and everyone is clean-shaven. It's impressive to be in this locker room. It really does give you a 'wow' factor when you walk in."
— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) March 20, 2019
Some more quotes from Gonzalez on Wednesday:
Gio Gonzalez: "They gave me something I couldn't turn down. I was like, 'Let's do this. Let's go to work.' I can't be ungrateful. This is a pretty great opportunity."
— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) March 20, 2019
Gio Gonzalez: "I’m here, ready to work. I told them whenever they need me, however they need me, I’m ready to go."
— Erik Boland (@eboland11) March 20, 2019
Gonzalez  said the offer from the Yankees was the only one he received this winter, but I like the fact that he’s excited to be a part of the organization and is willing to do anything for the team. These are the kinds of guys you want in the clubhouse. If he’s called upon and contributes, that’s a bonus.
While the 33-year-old lefty isn’t what he once was, Gonzalez provides the Yankees with key rotation depth should Luis Cessa or Domingo German falter in the backend of the rotation while CC Sabathia and Luis Severino are sidelined to begin the season.
Over his 11-year career with Oakland, Washington and Milwaukee, Gonzalez is a two-time all-star with a record of 127-97 and an ERA of 3.69. He’s totaled 1,748 strikeouts in 1,814 innings pitched.
