Marwin Gonzalez was a key player for the Houston Astros during their successful 2017 World Series run. Known for his versatility and ability to play multiple positions, Gonzalez was a valuable asset for the team.
However, following the 2018 season, Gonzalez left the Astros in free agency, signing with the Minnesota Twins for the following two seasons before moving on to the Boston Red Sox.
While Gonzalez’s time with the Astros was memorable, his departure left many fans wondering why he chose to leave. In this blog post, we’ll explore some possible reasons for Gonzalez’s departure and examine his career with the Astros, Twins, and Red Sox.
Marwin Gonzalez’s Time With the Astros
During his time with the Houston Astros, Marwin Gonzalez was known for his versatility and ability to play multiple positions. He was primarily used as a utility player, which meant he played wherever the team needed him most.
Gonzalez was known for his strong defense, and he was able to play both infield and outfield positions, making him a valuable asset for the team.
Gonzalez had a successful career with the Astros, playing for the team from 2012 to 2018. He was a part of the team that won the World Series in 2017, and his contributions to that championship season were significant.
In 2017, Gonzalez hit .303 with 23 home runs and 90 RBIs, setting career highs in all three categories. He played in 134 games that season and started at six different positions, including left field, first base, and shortstop.
Overall, Gonzalez played in 791 games for the Astros, hitting .264 with 76 home runs and 292 RBIs. He was a fan favorite, known for his versatility, solid defense, and clutch hitting.
During his time with the Astros, the team made the playoffs four times, including their championship season in 2017. Gonzalez’s contributions to the team’s success were undeniable, and he will always be remembered as an important part of the Astros’ history.
Gonzalez’s Departure From the Astros
Following the 2018 season, Marwin Gonzalez became a free agent and chose not to re-sign with the Houston Astros. The reasons for his departure are not entirely clear, and Gonzalez has not spoken publicly about why he left the team.
However, there are some possible reasons that could explain his decision. One reason could be that Gonzalez wanted a new challenge after spending six seasons with the Astros.
During that time, he had established himself as a valuable utility player, but he may have wanted to test himself in a new environment.
Another possibility is that Gonzalez received a more lucrative offer from another team. The Minnesota Twins signed Gonzalez to a two-year deal following the 2018 season, and it’s possible that they offered him a better contract than the Astros were willing to give him.
Regardless of the reason for his departure, Gonzalez’s absence was felt by the Astros. While the team continued to be successful after his departure, his versatility and ability to play multiple positions were missed.
His contributions to the team’s championship run in 2017 will always be remembered, and his departure left a void that has yet to be completely filled.
Gonzalez’s Time With the Twins and Red Sox
After leaving the Houston Astros, Marwin Gonzalez joined the Minnesota Twins for the 2019 and 2020 seasons. During his time with the Twins, Gonzalez continued to showcase his versatility and ability to play multiple positions.
He primarily played third base and outfield, but he also spent some time at first base and second base.
Gonzalez’s performance with the Twins was solid but not quite at the level of his 2017 season with the Astros. In 2019, he hit .264 with 15 home runs and 55 RBIs, playing in 114 games. In 2020, he struggled a bit, hitting only .211 with five home runs and 22 RBIs in 53 games.
Despite his mixed performance, Gonzalez was an important player for the Twins. He provided veteran leadership and helped mentor some of the team’s younger players.
His ability to play multiple positions was also valuable, as injuries and other roster changes required the Twins to be flexible with their defensive alignments.
Following his two-year stint with the Twins, Gonzalez signed with the Boston Red Sox for the 2021 season. He has continued to play as a utility player for the Red Sox, primarily playing second base and outfield.
His performance with the team has been underwhelming, hitting only .202 with two home runs and 20 RBIs in 77 games.
Overall, Gonzalez’s time with the Twins and Red Sox has not quite lived up to his performance with the Astros. While he has continued to showcase his versatility and ability to play multiple positions, his offensive production has been less consistent.
However, his impact on these teams cannot be overlooked, and his veteran leadership and versatility have been important assets for both the Twins and Red Sox.
Marwin Gonzalez’s Offensive Statistics With the Houston Astros, Minnesota Twins, and Boston Red Sox
| Team | Years | Games | Plate Appearances | Batting Average | Home Runs | RBIs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Houston Astros | 2012-2018 | 795 | 2571 | .264 | 76 | 292 |
| Minnesota Twins | 2019-2020 | 167 | 664 | .238 | 20 | 77 |
| Boston Red Sox | 2021 | 77 | 232 | .202 | 2 | 20 |
This table shows that Gonzalez had his best offensive production with the Houston Astros, where he played for seven seasons and helped them win the World Series in 2017.
While his offensive numbers dipped during his time with the Minnesota Twins and Boston Red Sox, he continued to provide value with his versatility and ability to play multiple positions.
FAQs
What positions did Marwin Gonzalez play while he was with the Houston Astros?
Answer: Gonzalez played nearly every position during his time with the Astros, including second base, shortstop, third base, first base, left field, and right field.
Was Marwin Gonzalez implicated in the Astros’ sign-stealing scandal?
Answer: Yes, Gonzalez was implicated in the sign-stealing scandal that rocked the Astros during the 2017 season. He issued a public apology for his role in the scheme.
Why did Marwin Gonzalez sign with the Boston Red Sox?
Answer: It’s not entirely clear why Gonzalez signed with the Red Sox, but it’s possible that they offered him a better contract than other teams. Additionally, the Red Sox may have been attracted to his versatility and ability to play multiple positions.
What is Marwin Gonzalez’s career batting average?
Answer: As of the end of the 2021 season, Gonzalez has a career batting average of .250, with 91 home runs and 402 RBIs.
Conclusion
Marwin Gonzalez had a successful career with the Houston Astros, helping them win the World Series in 2017 with his versatility and strong play.
While it’s not entirely clear why he left the team following the 2018 season, his absence was felt by the Astros, who missed his ability to play multiple positions.
Gonzalez’s time with the Minnesota Twins and Boston Red Sox has not been as impressive as his time with the Astros, but he has continued to showcase his versatility and provide veteran leadership for both teams.
His ability to play multiple positions has been valuable, and his impact on these teams cannot be overlooked.
Overall, Marwin Gonzalez will be remembered as a valuable utility player and an important part of Astros’ history. His legacy will continue to be felt as he continues his career with the Boston Red Sox and beyond.
