Giants Sign Outfielder Oscar Gonzalez, Relief Pitcher Thomas Wick
The San Francisco Giants have signed outfielder Oscar Gonzalez and relief pitcher Thomas Wick, the team announced.
Gonzalez, 28, batted .264 with an OPS of .697 and eight home runs in 114 games with the Cleveland Guardians in 2024. His 2023 season was cut short after undergoing Tommy John surgery on his left elbow in June. He also underwent sports hernia surgery in September to address a groin issue, but is expected to be fully recovered for spring training, according to General Manager Zack minasian.
“We’ve liked him for a long time,” Minasian said. “He plays with a lot of intensity, determination and perseverance.He controls the strike zone.He moves around the outfield, primarily in the corners. A left-handed bat. [Manager] Tony Vitello and [bench coach] Jayce Tingler know him well, so we have really good reports on him. We’re happy to add him to the group of outfielders.”
The Giants currently have Heliot Ramos, Harrison Bader, and Jung Hoo Lee slated to start in the outfield. Gonzalez will compete with Drew Gilbert, Jerar Encarnación, Luis Matos, and non-roster invitee Jared Oliva for a reserve outfield spot this spring.
“There’s been competition everywhere I’ve been, and I’ve always had to fight to make the roster,” Gonzalez said. “My ultimate goal is to help this team win a World Series, whatever the role is – as a backup, playing left field, whatever it might potentially be. The ultimate goal is to help the team. That’s what it was in Cleveland, and that’s what it will be here.”
gonzalez has a career .720 OPS against right-handed pitchers, compared to a .453 OPS against lefties. He played all three outfield positions for the Guardians, with the majority of his action coming in right field, where he made 198 of his 249 outfield appearances.
both Gonzalez and Gilbert have Minor League options, meaning they could begin the season in Triple-A with Sacramento if they don’t make the Opening Day roster. Encarnación and Matos do not have options remaining, giving the Giants less versatility with those players.
Wick,33,joined the Giants on Friday with a one-year Major League contract with a club option for 2027. However, he is expected to miss the entire 2026 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery in November.
Sources:
* https://www.mlb.com/news/giants-sign-oscar-gonzalez-thomas-wick
* https://www.fangraphs.com/players/oscar-gonzalez/stats