Dodgers’ fireballer might be an important addition to the Yankees’ bullpen

The New York Yankees acquired Victor Gonzalez and prospect Jorbit Vivas in a trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers on December 11th, giving up Top 10 prospect Trey Sweeney in the process.

Los Angeles made the transaction to make room on the roster for rising superstar Shohei Ohtani. ​

However, this deal was not solely about the Dodgers, as New York was able to obtain a prospect of comparable stature in Vivas and potentially address a big need in the bullpen with Gonzalez. But who is Victor Gonzalez, and what exactly will he bring to the table in New York in 2024? Gonzalez, a 28-year-old left-hander from Mexico, has been a reliever with the Dodgers for three seasons.

Despite a limited sample size, Gonzalez made a significant impression on the front office and fan base in 2020, tossing a 1.33 ERA with 23 strikeouts in 20.1 innings pitched in his maiden season in the big leagues.

Gonzalez’s stats fell off as his playing time rose in 2021, with his ERA rising to 3.57 in 35.1 innings pitched. Gonzalez missed the entire 2022 season due to elbow concerns, but he returned to the Dodger bullpen last season totally healthy, despite earning a career-low 4.01 ERA in 35 innings pitched. ​

Gonzalez brings more than numbers to the table for New York. His fastball reached 96.6 mph in the minors last year and frequently exceeds 93 mph. Gonzalez also possesses a slider with good movement in his arsenal, but several analysts have called it unreliable. Gonzalez even adds some flair and intensity to his strikeout celebrations, frequently performing a shuffle similar to that of Juan Soto.

Gonzalez is expected to appear in short relief or setup situations, helping starters and relievers out of jams in the middle of games. With the loss of Michael King, Jhony Brito, and Randy Vazquez in the Soto trade, Gonzalez might be a welcome addition to the bullpen alongside Clay Holmes and Jonathan Loaisiga, with room for more in the winter.

In a simple prospect deal, the left-hander acquires another powerful arm and possible excellent reliever. Only time will tell if the 28-year-old can recapture his 2020 form. If he succeeds, he might be a significant contributor in a contending bullpen in New York, making Los Angeles regret trading him away in a prospect trade.