Romy Gonzalez DFA'd By White Sox Following Brebbia Signing

The White Sox have designated Romy Gonzalez for assignment in a corresponding move following the official announcement that they had signed right-hander John Brebbia to a one-year, $5.5 million contract. 

Gonzalez was already facing an uphill battle to crack the Opening-Day roster. The 27-year-old missed 18 games last season due to a torn labrum in his right shoulder. In October he posted a video on his Instagram of him throwing for the first time since being placed on the shelf with the shoulder injury. 

Injuries have plagued the Miami native ever since he broke into the big leagues. He had three stints on the IL in 2022 due to a strained right hamstring, viral infection, and tonsil surgery. Despite the setbacks, he was set to play a large role on the White Sox this past season. 

Gonzalez entered Spring Training with rave reviews from the front office and was pegged to be the White Sox Opening Day second baseman. However, the White Sox opted to bring back Elvis Andrus to take over the second base duties just before the start of the season. 

Gonzalez appeared in just 44 games in 2023,  slashing .194/.208/.376 with three home runs and 14 RBIs. It was on par with his previous two seasons at the plate. In 86 MLB games, Gonzalez owns a pedestrian .222/.239/.361 slash line with 19 extra-base hits (which includes five home runs and three triples), and 27 RBIs in 239 plate appearances. 

His kryptonite has been right-handed pitching. In 2022 he slashed .314/.324/.486 against left handers compared to .200/.222/.286 vs. righties. That trend continued in 2023 with a .214 average against right-handers. However, he was unable to continue his success against southpaws with his average falling to .162 vs. lefties. 

The former 18th-round pick’s versatility is what has allowed him to stick around in the big leagues. Gonzalez has played 54 games at second base, 11 in right field, six at shortstop, five at the hot corner, five in left field, and one in center field. Despite being an infielder by trade he served as the White Sox Opening Day right fielder last season. He even made an appearance on the mound during a blowout and recorded an out to maintain a spotless 0.00 ERA. He is a threat on the basepaths. In 2021 he stole 24 bases in Triple-A Charlotte.

 The White Sox will now have a week to trade him or pass him through waivers. It seems unlikely that he draws any interest from opposing clubs, however, his versatility and athleticism could be enough for someone to take a flier on him.