The New York Yankees added Gio Gonzalez for rotation depth, but it looks like he will be opting out of his deal.
Gio Gonzalez is reportedly planning on opting out of his minor league deal with the New York Yankees, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
With Domingo Germán and CC Sabathia fortifying the Yankees' rotation, there is increasing sense Gio Gonzalez plans on opting out of his deal tomorrow, sources tell ESPN. The Yankees would have 48 hours to add him to their roster, and if they don't, he'll become a free agent.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) April 19, 2019
The Yankees inked Gonzalez to a deal late this spring after news of Luis Severino’s injury forced them to make depth signing. The deal included an opt-out; if he was not on the major league roster by April 20, he could become a free agent again.
So far, New York has yet to need him at the major league level with CC Sabathia returning from the IL and Domingo German establishing himself as a legitimate starter. Right now there doesn’t seem to be a roster spot for Gonzalez an 11-year veteran trying to find a home for this year and beyond.
Should Gonzalez go through with the request for his release, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com is reporting the Yankees will have 48 hours to release him or add him to the major league roster.
The news comes shortly after reports surfaced about Gonzalez dropping Scott Boras, his agent, with the deadline for his decision looming.
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
It’s an important decision for Gonzalez who admitted there was not much interest from teams around the league. After signing with the Yankees he admitted the contract from New York was the only legitimate offer he had received.
In three starts in Triple-A this year, Gio Gonzalez is 2-1 with a 6.00 ERA allowing 19 hits in just 15 innings.
