Report: Yankees sign former SF Giants, White Sox outfielder Luis González
The New York Yankees have agreed to a minor-league contract with former SF Giants outfielder Luis González, according to a report by Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. Per Rosenthal, the deal includes an invitation to big-league spring training, which will give González an opportunity to compete for a spot on the Yankees Opening Day roster. González had been in the Giants organization since 2021, but was released in September.
SF Giants right fielder Luis Gonzalez hits a single against the Atlanta. (2022)
Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Back surgery limited González to just 31 games in 2023, all in the minor leagues. After some impressive Triple-A production in 2022, González took a step back at the plate, hitting just .248/.350/.352 in 132 plate appearances between Triple-A and the Arizona Complex League. With a lessened workload as the Giants eased him into games, he only appeared in the field in 22 games. None in center field.
González was drafted by the Chicago White Sox in the third round of the 2017 MLB Draft out of the University of New Mexico, and steadily climbed the minor-league ladder. He made his big-league debut with Chicago during the 2020 season but appeared in just 13 MLB games from 2020-2021 because of a combination of the shortened 2020 season, organizational depth, and injuries.
The Giants claimed the Arizona native off waivers during the 2021 season when the White Sox had designated him for assignment while he recovered from shoulder surgery. San Francisco stashed him on the 60-day injured list with hopes he could help the team down the line. It paid off in 2022.
González cracked the Giants big-league roster early in the season and hit .347/.384/.485 in 112 plate appearances through May, earning him Rookie of the Month honors. However, his performance faded as the year went on. Giants manager Gabe Kapler said González's production dipped because he playing through a lower back strain that forced him to finish the year on the injured list. Nevertheless, he finished last season with a .254/.323/.360 line, adding 17 doubles, four home runs, and 10 stolen bases in 98 games. Then, before he could make an impact in 2023, González was sidelined by back surgery.
González is a well-rounded defensive outfielder who has flashed the ability to handle all three spots, although his range can be tested in center. He has also posted a .755 OPS against right-handed pitchers in the majors. The Yankees currently have a right-handed heavy outfield mix, opening up a lane for Luis González to potentially crack the Opening Day roster with an impressive spring training performance.
