The decision to promote Oscar Gonzalez was a long time coming (or perhaps "a little late") since Oscar was ready for the show last year when the Guardians (back then, just "Cleveland") promoted Bobby Bradly on June 5th instead. Fans were clamoring for Bradley's promotion (after the minors canceled season of 2020) since Bradley possessed undeniable power (averaging about 26 HRs a year in the minors and an incredible rate of 1 HR every 16.30 ABs). However, Bradley was also batting just .200 in AAA (in 2021) and striking out 1 out of every 3 plate appearances (with a minors career average of 28% K Rate). That high K rate (and low average: .248 career MiLB) don't tend to translate well in the show; and Bradley found himself demoted quickly this year, after going just 2/17 (following last year's .208 campaign in which Bradley struck out 99 x's in 279 ABs while blasting 16 Home Runs).
Now comes Oscar Gonzalez' turn. At 6'4" 240, the 24 year old is built like an edge rusher (and home run hitting machine) and sports a lifetime .281 MiLB average (.761 OPS) over 2236 minor league ABs, which include 77 HRs (1 HR per 29.04 ABs) and 336 RBIs. Not only is Oscar's average higher than Bradley's, but the K rate of 1 K every 4.6 ABs (21.7%) is better. While Oscar won't hit as many home runs as Bradley did/would (per plate appearance), Oscar is going to get on base more often and be generally more productive.
Listed as the #103 prospect in our top 105 (despite our not finding Oscar ranked in any other top #250, before our rank came out), I'd expect Oscar to hit at or above .250 with at least 25 HRs (in a 600 AB year) and that folks, would be major league worthy production. But, Oscar also has the potential to consistently hit 30+ Home Runs (with average being more of the concern than power).
Welcome to the show Mr. Gonzalez.
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