The Boston Red Sox have claimed former White Sox infielder Romy Gonzalez off waivers. Gonzalez was designated for assignment by the White Sox last week following the official announcement that right-hander John Brebbia had signed a one-year, $5.5 million contract.
The Miami Native was once touted as the White Sox future everyday second baseman. Former general manager Rick Hahn even told reporters last offseason that Gonzalez was receiving rave reviews from coaches.
“They even had a player who went down and came back in my office in the offseason and said, ‘Don’t you dare trade that guy,’” Hahn told reporters in February 2023.
Despite the glowing reviews from the front office the White Sox opted to bring back Elvis Andrus to take over the second base duties just before the start of the season.
Just one offseason removed from being the front runner to be the starting second baseman, Gonzalez faced an uphill battle to even make the White Sox active roster thanks in part to a disastrous 2023 campaign. 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 career 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 27-year-old missed time 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 Gonzalez 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.
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.
His versatility and athleticism seemed to be enough for the Red Sox front office to take a flier on him.
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