The White Sox have added a veteran southpaw pitcher to their rotation as they have brought Gio Gonzalez into the fold to a one-year, $5 million deal ($4.5 million in 2020 and hold a $7 million option for the 2021 season, with a $500,000 buyout). Gonzalez is expected to be at the back end of the rotation as he brings experience, stability, and is able to eat innings for what is a young, but talented rotation. This isn't exactly a sexy move, but for depth reasons, this is a good acquisition.
Gonzalez was one of the better pitchers in the early part of the decade with Oakland and Washington including a 2012 season where he was in the running for the Cy Young award. With the Nationals, he was a very steady pitcher and helped lead them to four postseason berths. He was then traded to Milwaukee in 2018 and helped lead the Brewers to a playoff appearance as they made it all the way to the National League Championship Series.
Some might not understand why this acquisition was made as Gonzalez is clearly past his prime, but this is actually a great signing for the Pale Hose. Gonzalez will bring some stability and experience to a young rotation. He also will eat up a lot of innings from the back end of the rotation, plus he is a left handed pitcher. He is a good depth piece as well. Gonzalez should also benefit a lot from having Yasmani Grandal catching him as they were teammates in Milwaukee and his framing was one of the best in the league.
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