Gio Gonzalez signs with Yankees on minor league contract

Gio Gonzalez is a happy man after signing a minor league contract with the New York Yankees.  The contract is worth $3M and from his own words was the best offer on the table.  Gonzalez probably knew he had a bit of leverage considering Luis Severino is on the shelf until May and C.C. Sabathia is hurt as well, AND will have to serve a five game suspension from last season.

Gonzalez has been keeping in shape at Scott Boras’ camp in Florida and is ready to be thrown into the rotation whenever he’s needed.  He has an opt out clause in his contract on April 20th but being that the Yankees absolutely need at least one more legitimate arm to shore up their rotation, Gonzalez is a safe bet to stay on the Yankees for hopefully the entire season.

Gonzalez is a remarkably consistent pitcher.  Even though he went 10-11 with a 4.21 ERA, he still started 32 starts and has averaged 31 starts for his entire career.  An innings eater like that, with the track record that he has (127-97 with a 3.69 ERA) and he is a perfect match for the Yankees.  The Bombers now have four left handed pitchers on the staff and even with the absence of Sabathia can sprinkle James Paxton, J.A. Happ and Gonzalez throughout the rotation.

This was a very low risk, high reward move for Brian Cashman and it was a no brainer.  With teams having most of the leverage in situations like this, Gonzalez is happy to be on a team that will give him a chance to succeed.  It’s a far cry from the $12M per he was making previously but he can use this as another prove-it year and hopefully get another contract down the line.  It’s mutually beneficial for both parties and Gonzalez will contribute immediately.