MAG signs. (Philly.com)
After many weeks of questions, the Phillies have finally sealed the deal on free agent Cuban pitcher Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez. The team announced they’ve reached a three-year, $12 million deal with the 26-year-old. The contract includes a vesting/club option for 2017, a signing bonus and performance bonuses.
Several weeks back, it appeared they had inked him to a six-or-seven year pact, however, the organization never acknowledged Gonzalez. Then, there are questions. Why did it take so long to sign the deal? What was the cause of the major drop in dollars from the first reported contract to the one he settled on?
There had been a report that health concerns popped up pertaining to his elbow.
“We are very pleased to have come to an agreement with Miguel,” said Amaro. “He is someone our scouts have followed for several years and in our most recent observations of him he showed tremendous stuff. We are hopeful he will pitch out of our starting rotation for 2014 and beyond.”
Gonzalez will report to the Phillies spring training complex in Clearwater, Fla. To make room for him on the 40-man roster, left-hander John Lannan has been moved to the 60-day disabled list.
As of this writing, there has been no plan to pitch him in the majors just yet, although he figures to be a member of the Phillies rotation in 2014. This could end up being good news, as the free agent crop of starters is relatively thin and filled with 30-somethings.
