The San Diego Padres have signed outfielder  to a minor league contract, according to MLB.com’s transaction tracker. Initially assigned to Triple-A El Paso, González is expected to participate in major league spring training.

González, 27, made a promising MLB debut with the Cleveland Guardians in 2022, hitting 11 home runs in 91 games. While his 3.9% walk rate was significantly below league average, he maintained a solid 19.6% strikeout rate. His overall performance, including a .296/.327/.461 slash line and 123 wRC+, highlighted his potential. He also became a fan favorite, using the SpongeBob SquarePants theme as his walk-up song and delivering a walk-off home run in the 15th inning of a Wild Card game against the Rays.

However, González struggled in 2023, with his strikeout rate climbing to 25.6% and his walk rate dropping to 2.8%. His power diminished to just two home runs in 54 games, and he slashed .214/.239/.312, resulting in a wRC+ of 48. Combined with subpar defense, these struggles led the Guardians to place him on waivers. Claimed briefly by the Yankees, he cleared waivers before the 2024 season and spent the year in Triple-A, posting a respectable .294/.333/.469 line with eight home runs and a 106 wRC+ in 78 games. Despite his improvement, injuries and a crowded Yankees outfield—featuring Aaron Judge, Juan Soto, Alex Verdugo, Trent Grisham, and Jasson Domínguez—kept González from returning to the majors.

Now with the Padres, González has a chance to compete for a role in their outfield. San Diego recently lost Jurickson Profar and David Peralta to free agency, leaving left field relatively unsettled. While Jackson Merrill and Fernando Tatis Jr. are set in two outfield spots, potential options like Tirso Ornelas, Eguy Rosario, and Brandon Lockridge have minimal major league experience. González provides additional depth and could earn a roster spot, particularly since he remains affordable and has minor league options for roster flexibility.

As the Padres evaluate their roster, including the possibility of re-signing Profar, González offers low-risk insurance for their outfield, giving him a fresh opportunity to prove his value.