The Texas Rangers have added another former Seattle Mariners player to their organization, signing veteran left-hander Marco Gonzales to a minor-league contract after his release from the San Diego Padres.
The move follows the Rangers’ recent acquisition of Jarred Kelenic and provides Gonzales with another opportunity to revive his career at Triple-A Round Rock.
While the signing may raise some eyebrows, the Rangers are likely viewing it as a low-risk depth addition.
Gonzales has struggled this season, recording a 7.99 ERA while striking out 36 batters across 47 1/3 innings. Although his strikeout numbers remain respectable, opposing hitters have consistently found success against him.
Gonzales was once a cornerstone of Seattle’s rotation before the Mariners developed one of baseball’s strongest pitching staffs. During his peak years with the club, he served as a reliable presence every fifth day.
In 2019, he won 16 games, made 34 starts, and logged 203 innings, providing much-needed stability for a rebuilding team. He followed that up with an impressive 2020 campaign, finishing with a 7-2 record and a 3.10 ERA while showcasing exceptional command.
His ability to consistently throw strikes became his trademark, helping establish the foundation for Seattle’s pitching philosophy. However, injuries eventually altered the course of his career.
A left forearm strain in 2023 led to surgery and created an opening for Bryan Woo to join the Mariners’ rotation. Woo quickly demonstrated a higher-ceiling arsenal and ultimately became a long-term fixture in Seattle’s pitching plans.
Following the 2023 season, Gonzales was traded to the Atlanta Braves, beginning a journey that has since taken him through multiple organizations.
He recently made his first appearance for Triple-A Round Rock, allowing three earned runs on six hits over four innings while striking out two.
For the Rangers, the move is simply another effort to strengthen their pitching depth. If Gonzales can rediscover some of the form that once made him a dependable starter, Texas could eventually call on him later this season.
An eventual matchup against the Mariners would add an intriguing storyline, particularly given Seattle’s ongoing struggles against left-handed pitching.
