The San Diego Padres signed Oscar González to a minor league contract earlier this week, according to the MLB.com transaction log. The signing is one of the Padres’ first this offseason, and González has been assigned to Triple-A El Paso to begin his career with the franchise.
The intriguing outfield prospect has yet to establish a consistent presence in the major leagues. González signed with Cleveland as an international free agent in 2014 and advanced to the minor leagues in 2016. González won the Arizona League MVP in his debut season and advanced to Triple-A in 2021.
González was promoted to the majors for the first time in 2022, making his MLB debut in May. He went on to play 91 games with the Guardians that season, batting.296/.327/.461 with 107 hits, 39 runs, 11 home runs, and 43 RBI.
González’s first-season success did not transfer over to the 2023 season, as he cut.214/.239/.312 with 37 hits, 15 runs, two home runs, and 12 RBI. His wins above replacement fell to -1.4, and he experienced a big decline in his second major league season.
After the 2023 season finished, the New York Yankees claimed González off waivers, but he was eventually sent to the minor levels, where he would spend the whole 2024 season. González missed the beginning of the season due to an orbital fracture, but he returned to participate in 78 Triple-A games. Over those 78 games, he batted.294/.333/.469 with 84 hits, 51 runs, eight home runs, and 43 RBIs, returning strongly after being out of the majors.
The Padres presently have two outfielders: Jackson Merrill and Fernando Tatis Jr., while Jurickson Profar is a free agent. Depending on whether the Padres re-sign Profar or add another outfielder, González could see action in the outfield this winter.
At just 26 years old and coming off a successful minor league season, González still has a lot of potential and could be a significant acquisition to the Padres if he lives up to it.
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