| Marco Gonzales | |
|---|---|
 Gonzales with theSeattle Mariners in 2018 | |
| Free agent | |
| Pitcher | |
| Born: (1992-02-16)February 16, 1992 (age 33) Fort Collins, Colorado, U.S. | |
Bats: Left Throws: Left | |
| MLB debut | |
| June 25, 2014, for the St. Louis Cardinals | |
| MLB statistics (through 2024 season) | |
| Win–loss record | 66–50 |
| Earned run average | 4.16 |
| Strikeouts | 688 |
Stats atBaseball Reference  | |
| Teams | |
Marco Elias Gonzales (born February 16, 1992) is an American professionalbaseballpitcher who is a free agent. He has previously played inMajor League Baseball (MLB) for theSt. Louis Cardinals,Seattle Mariners andPittsburgh Pirates. He attendedGonzaga University, where he playedcollege baseball for theGonzaga Bulldogs as a pitcher andfirst baseman.
At Gonzaga, Gonzales won theWest Coast Conference Player of the Year, Pitcher of the Year, and Freshman of the Year awards. Gonzales also was chosen as anAll-American and named theJohn Olerud Award winner for 2013. The Cardinals selected him with the 19th overall pick in the first round of the2013 MLB draft. InMinor League Baseball in 2014, he was aTexas League midseason All-Star and Pitcher of the Week selection and the Cardinals'Minor League Pitcher of the Year. He made his MLB debut in 2014, and underwentTommy John surgery in 2016 for a tornulnar collateral ligament in his left elbow. The Cardinals traded him to the Mariners in 2017.
Gonzales attendedRocky Mountain High School inFort Collins,Colorado.[1] Helettered in baseball in all four years.[2] In his sophomore, junior, and senior seasons, he was named All-Colorado and All-Front Range. As a senior, he was named the Colorado High School Baseball Player of the Year after compiling an 11–0won–loss record (W–L) with a 2.20earned run average (ERA) and 87strikeouts (SO) in 54innings pitched (IP). He alsobatted .486 with sevenhome runs and 36runs batted in (RBI).[2] He started the Class 5A state championship game for Rocky Mountain in all four years of his high school career, winning all four.[1][2]
TheColorado Rockies selected Gonzales in the 29th round of the2010 Major League Baseball (MLB) draft. As the Rockies did not make a significant offer and advised him to attend college, Gonzales opted not to sign.[citation needed] Instead, he enrolled atGonzaga University to playcollege baseball for theBulldogs.[1] That summer, he playedcollegiate summer baseball for theSaskatoon Yellow Jackets of theWestern Canadian Baseball League, and theWenatchee AppleSox of theWest Coast League after the WMBL season was over.[3]
As a freshman at Gonzaga, Gonzales finished with an 11–2 W–L and 2.57 ERA, and was namedWest Coast Conference (WCC) co-Player of the Year and co-Freshman of the Year, along withKris Bryant.[1][4] As a sophomore, he had an 8–2 W–L and a 1.55 ERA, and was named WCC Pitcher of the Year and anAll-American.[1][2][5] That summer, he briefly playedcollegiate summer baseball with theFalmouth Commodores of theCape Cod Baseball League,[6] and played for theUnited States national collegiate baseball team in tournaments in Cuba and the Netherlands, being namedmost valuable player of the Netherlands tournament.[2]
In 2013, his junior year, he pitched a 7–3 record with a 2.80 ERA, and led the team in hitting with a .311 average, two home runs and 26 RBI, earning him Co-West Coast Conference Player of the Year honors.[1][7] Gonzales was named a semifinalist for theGolden Spikes Award.[8] In 2013, he won theJohn Olerud Award, awarded annually by theCollege Baseball Foundation to the besttwo-way player of the season.[9]
Gonzales was widely considered to be a first-round pick before the2013 MLB draft.[1] TheSt. Louis Cardinals selected him 19th overall.[10] He signed on June 19 for $1.85 million.[11]Baseball America rated him #28 in their Top 500 prospects.
The Cardinals assigned him to theGulf Coast League Cardinals in therookie-levelGulf Coast League, then promoted him to thePalm Beach Cardinals of theHigh–AFlorida State League. He completed23+1⁄3 IP with a 2.70 ERA between the two squads. In addition, he allowed 18 hits and eight walks for a 1.114walks plus hits per inning pitched ratio (WHIP) while striking out 23.[12]
Gonzales began the 2014 season with Palm Beach, and received a promotion to theSpringfield Cardinals of theDouble–ATexas League in May.[13] His statistics after seven starts at Springfield included38+2⁄3 IP, a 3–2 won-loss record, a 2.33 ERA. He allowed 33 hits, two home runs, and 10 walks while striking out 46. He was rated the#4 prospect in the Cardinals' organization. The Cardinals called him up to the major leagues, and, the day before he made his MLB debut, he was named to the 2014All-Star Futures Game atTarget Field inMinneapolis,Minnesota.[14][15]
Filling in for the injuredJaime García, Gonzales made his major league debut as the starter against theColorado Rockies on June 25.[16] Due to his promotion to the major leagues, he was removed from the Futures Game roster.[17] Hedoubled in his first major league at-bat.Left fielder and former RockieMatt Hollidaysingled him home to score his first run. On the mound, he gave up five earned runs and seven hits, with one home run in five innings, walking two, striking out three, facing 24 batters, and received a no-decision. Gonzales began with three scoreless innings, but got into trouble in the fourth by giving up a lead-off home run toDrew Stubbs, twodoubles and twosingles. The Cardinals eventually won, 9–6.[18] Gonzales became the first Cardinals' starter to make his debut without playing at the Triple A level sinceCliff Politte in April1998.[19]
Gonzales' second MLB start came against theSan Francisco Giants atAT&T Park. The outing went similar to his first MLB appearance, he started with three scoreless innings but yielded multiple runs in the fourth. In4+1⁄3 IP, he yielded five earned runs, seven hits, four walks and two strikeouts. The Giants won 5–0, giving him his first MLB loss.[20] After posting a 7.07 ERA in first three MLB starts, the Cardinals optioned him to theTriple-AMemphis Redbirds on July 7, where he appeared for the first time.[21]
On August 30, the Cardinals recalled Gonzales, and he gained his first MLB win in a 13–2 romp over theChicago Cubs. He completed six innings, allowed one run on three hits, two walks, and struck out five.[22] Gonzales' third win of the season came against the Rockies by a score of 4–1 on September 14 as he struck out nine in5+2⁄3 IP. The nine strikeouts were the most by a Cardinals left-handed rookie sinceRick Ankiel on September 13,2000.[23] He made 10 total MLB appearances, five as a starter, completing34+2⁄3 IP, allowing 32 H, 21 BB, 16 ER and a 4.15 ERA with a 4–2 W–L.[24] In 31 total games – including 26 starts – between three minor league levels and the major leagues, Gonzales allowed a 2.81 ERA with a 13–7 W–L record and 148 SO in156+2⁄3 IP.[25]
The Cardinals made theplayoffs in 2014, and Gonzales made his MLB postseason debut, pitching in relief. He recorded three total scoreless innings in theNational League Division Series (NLDS) against theLos Angeles Dodgers. He picked up two of the club's three wins, including the series clincher.[26] He pitched another three innings against the Giants in theNational League Championship Series (NLCS), giving up three earned runs as the Cardinals were eliminated from the postseason.[24] In December, the Cardinals named him theirMinor League Pitcher of the Year.[25]
Having struggled with a shoulder injury for much of the2015 season, Gonzales totaled 13 starts and 64 innings with Memphis, allowing a 5.20 ERA with 81 hits and a .315batting average against. His record was 1–4. The Cardinals activated him with the roster expansion on September 1.[27] He made his first major league appearance and start of the season against theWashington Nationals that day, allowing four runs in less than three innings.[28] Prior to the2016 season,Baseball America ranked him as the fifth-best prospect in the Cardinals' system.[29]
Gonzales was sidelined on April 13,2016, after a diagnosis on a tornulnar collateral ligament in his left elbow.[30] The injury requiredTommy John surgery in April 2016, putting Gonzales out for the entire 2016 season.[31] He was ranked theseventh-best prospect in the Cardinals' organization.[32]
Gonzales was recalled on June 13, 2017, to start Game 2 of a doubleheader against theMilwaukee Brewers. It was his first start in the majors since September 1, 2015.[citation needed]
On July 21, 2017, the Cardinals traded Gonzales to theSeattle Mariners forTyler O'Neill.[33] Gonzales made his Mariners debut on August 6, 2017 against theKansas City Royals, in which he went 4 innings, allowing 5 earned runs on 7 hits, a walk, and 5 strikeouts.[34] In 2017 with the Mariners, he made 7 starts (10 appearances total), going 1–1 with a 5.40 ERA (22 earned runs) and 4.28 FIP with 30 strikeouts and 11 walks.[35]
After pitching to a 1–1 record and 2.08 ERA in seven spring training starts, Gonzales was rewarded a spot on the Mariners' 2018 Opening Day roster and was slotted 4th in their starting rotation.[36] On June 29, he threw his first career complete game against the Kansas City Royals, limiting them to just 1 run on 6 hits, 7 strikeouts, and no walks.[37] Gonzales finished the first half of the season with a 10–5 record and 3.41 ERA in 19 starts (113.1 IP). However, he faltered down the stretch, posting a 3–4 record with 5.23 ERA in 10 starts (53.1 IP).[38] Nonetheless, Gonzales managed to stay healthy in his first full season in Seattle, starting a career-high 29 games, leading the team in wins with 13 while striking out 145 batters and compiling a 4.00 ERA and 3.43 FIP over 166.2 innings pitched.[39]
On March 9, 2019, Gonzales was named the Mariners' Opening Day starter for their opening series in Japan.[40] It also marked the first year thatFélix Hernández would not be the Mariners' Opening Day starter in 10 years.[41] In his first ever Opening Day start against theOakland Athletics on March 20 inTokyo, Japan, Gonzales earned his first win of the season by throwing 6 innings and allowing 4 runs (3 of which were earned) on 7 hits, 1 walk, and 4 strikeouts.[42] Gonzales was the only consistent Seattle starter in the 2019 season, as he was 16–13 with a 3.99 ERA in 34 starts. In 203 innings, he struck out 147 batters and walked 56.
Prior to the 2020 season, Gonzales and the Mariners signed a four-year contract extension guaranteeing him $30 million, with a club option for the 2025 season.[43] In thepandemic-shortened 2020 season, Gonzales was named the Mariners' Opening Day starter for the second season in a row. On July 23, Gonzales started his first game of the season pitching 4.1 innings and giving up 3 earned runs on 73 pitches against the defending AL pennant winners theHouston Astros.[44] Gonzales's first start would be the shortest outing of his season as he would go on to pitch at least 5 innings per start for the remainder of the season. The 2020 season also included Gonzales's second-ever complete game when he pitched 9 innings, giving up 1 run and striking out 8 batters while throwing 102 pitches against theLos Angeles Angels of Anaheim on August 31.[45]
Gonzales finished the 2020 season with a record of 7–2 and a 3.10 ERA in 11 starts. In the 60-game season, Gonzales finished in the top 5 for wins and WHIP, and in the top 20 for ERA and opponent batting average in all of baseball for the first time in his career. He led the AL in walks per nine innings (0.904) and strikeout-to-walk ratio (9.143).[46]
For the 2021 season, Gonzales was named the club's Opening Day starter for the third season in a row.[47] He started 25 games for the year, going 10–6 with a 3.96 ERA and 108 strikeouts over 143.1 innings.[48]
In 2022, he was 10–15 with a 4.15 ERA in 183 innings, in which he struck out 103 batters, as he led the league in losses and was third in home runs allowed (30).[49] His strikeout percentage of 13.2% was the lowest among qualified pitchers in major league baseball.[49]
After 10 starts for Seattle, Gonzales was placed on the injured list with a left forearm strain on June 3, 2023;[50] anMRI later revealed a flexor strain.[51] A week later, he began a throwing program,[52] but was shut down for two weeks at the end of the month after experiencing nerve issues in his elbow.[53] Gonzales was transferred to the 60-day injured list on July 26.[54] On August 13, it was announced that Gonzalez would undergo season–ending surgery to decompress a nerve in his forearm. He finished the year with a 4–1 record and 5.22 ERA with 34 strikeouts across 50.0 innings of work.[55]
On December 3, 2023, the Mariners traded Gonzales,Jarred Kelenic, andEvan White to theAtlanta Braves forJackson Kowar andCole Phillips.[56] Two days later, the Braves traded him to thePittsburgh Pirates with cash considerations in exchange for aplayer to be named later.[57] Gonzales began the 2024 season in Pittsburgh's rotation, making 3 starts and posting a 2.65 ERA with 11 strikeouts across 17 innings pitched. He was placed on the injured list with a left forearm muscle strain on April 14, 2024,[58] and was transferred to the 60–day injured list on June 3.[59] Gonzales was activated from the injured list on July 12.[60] He was placed back on the 60–day injured list with a forearm strain on August 12, ending his season. In 7 total appearances on the season for Pittsburgh, Gonzales logged a 1–1 record and 4.54 ERA with 23 strikeouts over33+2⁄3 innings pitched.[61] On August 28, it was announced that Gonzales would undergo flexor surgery to address the injury.[62] On November 4, the Pirates declined his option for 2025 making him a free agent.[63]
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| Award/honor | Dates (Ranking or event) | Refs |
|---|---|---|
| Major League BaseballAll-Star Futures Game | 2014 | [64] |
| All-Star | 2014 (Texas League midseason) | [64] |
| Pitcher of the Week | June 15, 2014 (Texas League) | [64] |
| St. Louis Cardinals Minor League Pitcher of the Year | 2014 | [25] |
| Award/honor | Dates (Ranking or event) | Refs |
|---|---|---|
| Tournament Most Valuable Pitcher | 2012 (Netherlands) |
| Award/honor | Dates (Ranking or event) | Refs |
|---|---|---|
| John Olerud Award | 2013 | |
| All-American | 2012 | |
| West Coast Conference Pitcher of the Year | 2012 | |
| West Coast Conference Player of the Year | 2011 | |
| West Coast Conference Freshman of the Year | 2011 |
Gonzales throws afastball between 88 and 91 miles per hour (142–146 km/h). He features achangeup that was regarded as one of the best in his draft class.[7] His command is above average, and throws two different breaking pitches with hiscurve being better than hisslider.[11] After his first MLB stint from June–July 2014,managerMike Matheny advised him to add acurveball andcut fastball to keep hitters from focusing on his four-seam fastball and changeup.[21]
Gonzales' father, Frank, played baseball at La Junta High School inLa Junta, Colorado, leading it to a state championship in the 1980s. He went on to pitch atColorado State University and was drafted in the 16th round by theDetroit Tigers in 1989. He then played about ten years in the minor leagues, coached high school, and continued as a pitching coach for the Colorado Rockies’ Class A minor-league club, before being named Head Coach of the independentPioneer League clubNorthern Colorado Owlz in 2023.[1] Gonzales' mother, Gina, is a firefighter; his brother Alex also plays baseball for Gonzales' alma mater, Rocky Mountain High School.[65] Gonzales grew up aColorado Rockies fan.[66]
Gonzales and his wife, Monica, married in 2015.[67] They welcomed their first child, a daughter, in June 2021.[68] They live inSeattle year-round.[69]
His ancestry is a mixture of Mexican, Spanish, Italian and Native American.[70]
