
Per Robert Murray of The Athletic, The Chicago White Sox signed southpaw Gio Gonzalez. The 34 year-old was drafted by the White Sox in the 1st round of the 2004 MLB Draft. He was then traded a year later to acquire Jim Thome in 2005 to the Phillies, reacquired via trade with Gavin Floyd in 2006, then traded again in 2008 to the Athletics for Nick Swisher. In 2020, 16 years later, the Pale Hose will finally get to trot him out at 35th and Shields.
Gio pitched in 19 games last year – 17 starts and 2 relief appearances – for the Milwaukee Brewers. The lefty posted a 3-2 record, 3.50 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 37 BBs and 78 Ks in 87.1 innings. This is a solid piece of work that will bolster a White Sox rotation full of question marks that fans are fully aware of going into the 2020 season.
As of now, Gio projects to be in the back end of the rotation with the expectation of 1-2 starting pitchers still to be added to the roster. He could also fill a spot start role as RHP Michael Kopech returns from Tommy John Surgery.
This is a quality signing to provide depth to the White Sox pitching staff in whatever role he takes on.
Featured Photo: Milwaukee Brewers Twitter