In 2022, rookie outfielder Oscar Gonzalez was on top of the world because of his performance with the Cleveland Guardians.
In the regular season, he slugged a fine .461 and posted a .789 OPS with 11 home runs in 91 games.
He looked like a future core piece in the Guardians outfield.
However, he struggled badly in 2023 (.551 OPS) and lost his roster spot with the Guards.
He was eventually picked up by the Yankees, but after the team announced and made official the signing of Marcus Stroman, they designated Gonzalez for assignment.
This means he is now bumped off the 40-man roster and has several options: if he is claimed via waivers, he will go to that team.
He can also be traded.
If he isn’t traded or claimed, he will be assigned to the Yankees’ minor leagues.
To make room on the 40-man roster, the Yankees designated OF Oscar Gonzalez for assignment.
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) January 17, 2024
It has been a downward spiral for Gonzalez, who has serious plate discipline issues.
In 145 games as a major leaguer, he has 20 walks and 121 strikeouts.
The lack of discipline makes him prone to extended slumps, and there are times in which he can’t access his considerable raw power.
Gonzalez is a former postseason hero for the Guardians, and it’s important to keep that in mind because he had the calmness to perform when most players freeze.
He sent the Guardians to the 2022 American League Division Series with a walk-off home run against the Tampa Bay Rays, and also had a walk-off hit vs. the Yankees in the ALDS.
We will have to wait a few days to see what the future holds for Gonzalez.
NEXT: Guardians Prospect Sends Confident Message From Winter Ball
