SF Giants Sign LHP Luis Gonzalez to MiLB Deal

The SF Giants continue bolstering their bullpen depth on Tuesday with another minor-league free-agent signing. According to a report by GPT, the Giants signed left-handed reliever Luis Gonzalez to a minor-league contract. Gonzalez has never pitched in the major leagues but reached Triple-A with the Baltimore Orioles in 2019.

Signed by the Philadelphia Phillies in May of 2010, Gonzalez has struggled with control throughout his career. Released by the Phillies prior to the start of the 2013 season, Gonzalez soon was signed by the Orioles. A permanent move to the bullpen in 2016 opened the door for some dominant performances against High-A and Double-A competition,  but Triple-A has been a different story.

SF Giants sign LHP Luis Gonzalez to a minor-league deal

Between two separate stints, Gonzalez has made 37 Triple-A appearances, posting  7.00 ERA in 57 innings. However, his peripheral numbers have been far more impressive. Assuming he can better limit hard contact and/or get some better luck, he seems on the cusp of breaking through.

Gonzalez’s mid-90s fastball is easily his best pitch, but his breaking ball has flashed as an above-average pitch that could form a strong pairing at the big-league level. Of course, he has to find better consistency and control before that can happen. According to an industry source, “[Gonzalez’s] command can be on and off, but definitely a good arm to have at Triple-A.”

The SF Giants have added another arm to their upper minor-league depth chart. While 29-year-old Luis Gonzalez probably will not be the first pitcher to earn a promotion if the Giants need another arm in the bullpen, the southpaw could be an adjustment away from becoming an MLB contributor.