Yankees Claim Oscar Gonzalez Off Waivers from Guardians

The outfielder, known for his big playoff moments and SpongeBob SquarePants walk-up music, joins the Yankees after a less productive sophomore season.

The New York Yankees have claimed outfielder Oscar Gonzalez off waivers from the Cleveland Guardians.
Gonzalez, who turns 26 in January, had a breakout rookie season in 2022, hitting .296 with 11 home runs and a 125 OPS-plus across 91 games.
Gonzalez's sophomore season was less productive, with a batting average of .214 and a 53 OPS-plus across 54 games.
He is known for his big playoff moments, including a walk-off home run in the 15th inning to sweep the AL wild-card series against the Rays and a walk-off, two-run single against the Yankees in Game 3 of the ALDS.
Gonzalez is also known for his choice of the SpongeBob SquarePants theme song as his walk-up music.