The New York Yankees could be losing a well-known name from their organizational depth chart this weekend. Per Jeff Passan of ESPN, veteran southpaw Gio Gonzalez is expected to exercise the opt-out clause in his contract. Once Gonzalez triggers that clause, the Yankees will have two days to add him to their active roster or otherwise permit him to hit the open market.
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
As it turns out, Gonzalez might not have to look outside New York to find his new employer. The New York Mets, arguably already in need of another starter and now without ace Jacob deGrom in the short term, are scouting Gonzalez's start Friday night and could have interest if and when he he opts out:
Mets will be scouting Gio Gonzalez tonight in Buffalo
— Andy Martino (@martinonyc) April 19, 2019
Gonzalez has a track record of being a solid mid-rotation starter. In the past three seasons, he has averaged 183 innings while posting a 112 ERA+ and a 2.33 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
Gonzalez hasn't fared as well in three Triple-A starts: He has a 6.00 ERA and has allowed 19 hits in 15 innings. Presumably part of his rough start can be blamed on him signing late in the spring -- he inked his minor-league deal on March 20.
