{{short description|American baseball player (born 1992)}} {{Use mdy dates|date=June 2025}} {{Infobox baseball biography | name = Chi Chi González | image = File:Chi Chi Gonzalez in 2019 spring training (Cropped) (photo by Jeff Warrington).jpg | width = | caption = Gonzalez pitching for the Colorado Rockies 2019 spring training | team = | number = | position = Pitcher / Coach | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1992|1|15}} | birth_place = Delray Beach, Florida, U.S. | bats = Right | throws = Right | debutleague = MLB | debutdate = May 30 | debutyear = 2015 | debutteam = Texas Rangers | finalleague = MLB | finaldate = September 17 | finalyear = 2023 | finalteam = Miami Marlins | statleague = MLB | stat1label = Win–loss record | stat1value = 9–24 | stat2label = Earned run average | stat2value = 5.68 | stat3label = Strikeouts | stat3value = 173 | teams = ;As player * Texas Rangers ({{mlby|2015}}–{{mlby|2016}}) * Colorado Rockies ({{mlby|2019}}–{{mlby|2021}}) * Minnesota Twins ({{mlby|2022}}) * Milwaukee Brewers ({{mlby|2022}}) * New York Yankees ({{mlby|2022}}) * Miami Marlins ({{mlby|2023}}) ;As coach * Miami Marlins ({{mlby|2025}}) }} '''Alexander Rios''' "'''Chi Chi'''" '''González''' (born January 15, 1992) is an American former professional pitcher and former bullpen catcher for the Miami Marlins of Major League Baseball (MLB). He played in MLB for the Texas Rangers, Colorado Rockies, Minnesota Twins, Milwaukee Brewers, New York Yankees, and the Marlins. González goes by '''Chi Chi''', a nickname given to him by his grandfather.<ref>{{Cite news |date=June 8, 2013 |title='Chi Chi' González ready to be a Ranger |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130608&content_id=49995068&c_id=tex}}</ref>
==Playing career== ===Amateur career=== Gonzalez attended Boca Raton Community High School in Boca Raton, Florida, and played for the school's baseball team as a pitcher and third baseman.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.statesman.com/story/news/local/2016/09/23/rangers-prospect-chi-chi-gonzalez-chases-the-dream/9820368007/ | title=Rangers' prospect Chi Chi Gonzalez chases the dream }}</ref> The Baltimore Orioles selected Gonzalez in the 11th round of the 2010 Major League Baseball draft.<ref>{{Cite news |date=June 8, 2010 |title=Baltimore Orioles select Boca Raton pitcher Alex Gonzalez in 11th round of baseball draft |url=http://blogs.palmbeachpost.com/highschoolbuzz/2010/06/08/baltimore-orioles-select-boca-raton-pitcher-alex-gonzalez-in-11th-round-of-baseball-draft/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202114743/http://blogs.palmbeachpost.com/highschoolbuzz/2010/06/08/baltimore-orioles-select-boca-raton-pitcher-alex-gonzalez-in-11th-round-of-baseball-draft/ |archive-date=February 2, 2014}}</ref> Rather than sign with the Orioles, Gonzalez attended Oral Roberts University, where he played college baseball for the Oral Roberts Golden Eagles.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ORUAthletics.com – Official Athletic Website of Oral Roberts University |url=http://www.orugoldeneagles.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=205089243 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304105654/http://www.orugoldeneagles.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=205089243 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |access-date=November 19, 2014 |website=orugoldeneagles.com}}</ref> In 2012, he played collegiate summer baseball in the Cape Cod Baseball League for the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox.<ref>{{Cite web |title=#22 Alex Gonzalez |url=http://baseball.pointstreak.com/player.html?playerid=318598&seasonid=12252 |publisher=pointstreak.com |accessdate=July 20, 2021}}</ref>
===Texas Rangers=== The Texas Rangers selected González in the first round, with the 23rd overall selection, of the 2013 Major League Baseball draft.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/fl-xpm-2013-06-06-fl-mlb-draft-day-one-0607-20130606-story.html|title=Rangers draft Delray Beach's Alex Gonzalez in first round|website=Sun Sentinel|date=June 6, 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://m.rangers.mlb.com/news/article/49868750/rangers-select-rhp-alex-gonzalez-in-the-2013-first-year-player-draft|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304084905/http://m.rangers.mlb.com/news/article/49868750/rangers-select-rhp-alex-gonzalez-in-the-2013-first-year-player-draft|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 4, 2016|title=Rangers select RHP Alex Gonzalez in the 2013 First-Year Player Draft}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/chi-chi-gonzalez-ready-to-be-a-texas-ranger/c-49995068|title='Chi Chi' Gonzalez ready to be a Ranger|website=MLB.com|date=June 8, 2013 }}</ref> He made his professional debut with the Spokane Indians and also played for the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. Prior to the 2014 season, ''Baseball Prospectus'' rated González as the 70th best prospect in baseball.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Baseball Prospectus – Prospects Will Break Your Heart: Top 101 Prospects |url=http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=22670 |access-date=November 19, 2014 |website=Baseball Prospectus|date = January 27, 2014}}</ref> He started the season with Myrtle Beach before being promoted to the Double-A Frisco RoughRiders.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/rangers/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150527232441/http://rangersblog.dallasnews.com/2015/01/texas-rangers-no-3-prospect-chi-chi-gonzalez-might-just-cha-cha-his-way-into-2015-starting-rotation.html/|url-status=dead|title=Texas Rangers | Dallas Morning News|archivedate=May 27, 2015|website=www.dallasnews.com}}</ref> He started 2015 with the Triple-A Round Rock Express.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://newsok.com/former-oral-roberts-star-alex-chi-chi-gonzalez-to-make-first-triple-a-start-against-okc-dodgers-on-sunday/article/5409542|title=Former Oral Roberts star Alex 'Chi Chi' Gonzalez to make first Triple-A start against OKC Dodgers on Sunday}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/rangers/|title=Texas Rangers | Dallas Morning News|website=www.dallasnews.com}}</ref>
González was called up to the majors for the first time on May 30, 2015, and made his major league debut that day. He faced the veteran lineup of the Boston Red Sox and began the game pitching {{fraction|5|2|3}} innings without surrendering a hit. It was the longest no-hit stretch to begin a career for a Rangers pitcher since 1992.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://m.rangers.mlb.com/news/article/127405816/alex-chi-chi-gonzalez-to-join-rangers-rotation|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150531054409/http://m.rangers.mlb.com/news/article/127405816/alex-chi-chi-gonzalez-to-join-rangers-rotation|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 31, 2015|title=Prospect Gonzalez to join Rangers' rotation}}</ref> On June 5, González threw a complete-game shutout against the Kansas City Royals; it was his first career complete game.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rangers rookie Chi Chi Gonzalez shuts out Royals on 3 hits, 4–0 |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2015/06/05/rangers-rookie-gonzalez-shuts-out-royals-on-3-hits-4-0/28584455/ |website=USA Today}}</ref> He made 14 appearances (10 starts) for the Rangers during his rookie campaign, compiling a 4-6 record and 3.90 ERA with 30 strikeouts over 67 innings of work.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Chi Chi Gonzalez 2015 pitching Stats Per Game|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/player/gamelog/_/id/33386/year/2015/category/pitching|access-date=December 22, 2025|website=espn.com|language=en}}</ref>
González made three starts for the Rangers during the 2016 season, but struggled to an 0-2 record and 8.71 ERA with seven strikeouts across {{fraction|10|1|3}} innings pitched.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Chi Chi Gonzalez 2016 pitching Stats Per Game|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/player/gamelog/_/id/33386/year/2016/category/pitching|access-date=December 22, 2025|website=espn.com|language=en}}</ref>
On March 17, 2017, González was diagnosed with a partial tear to the UCL; he subsequently received a platelet-rich plasma injection.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Chi Chi Gonzalez Diagnosed With Partial UCL Tear|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2017/03/chi-chi-gonzalez-diagnosed-with-partial-ucl-tear.html|access-date=December 22, 2025|website=mlbtraderumors.com|language=en}}</ref> On July 22, he was declared to need Tommy John surgery, ending his season and ruling him out for the entirety of the 2018 season as well.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Chi Chi Gonzalez To Have Tommy John Surgery|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2017/07/chi-chi-gonzalez-to-have-tommy-john-surgery.html|access-date=December 22, 2025|website=mlbtraderumors.com|language=en}}</ref> On December 1, González became a free agent after he was non-tendered by the Rangers.<ref>{{Cite web|title=2017 Non-Tenders|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2017/12/2017-non-tenders.html|access-date=December 22, 2025|website=mlbtraderumors.com|language=en}}</ref>
On December 4, 2017, González re-signed with Texas on a minor league contract.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Rangers Agree To Minor League Deals With Chi Chi Gonzalez, Three Others|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2017/12/rangers-agree-to-minor-league-deals-with-chi-chi-gonzalez-three-others.html|access-date=December 22, 2025|website=mlbtraderumors.com|language=en}}</ref> During the year, he was able to make three scoreless rehab appearances for the rookie-level Arizona League Rangers and Low-A Spokane Indians. On November 2, 2018, González elected free agency.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Eddy |first=Matt |date=November 6, 2018 |title=Minor League Free Agents 2018 |url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/minor-league-free-agents-2018/ |access-date=November 12, 2018 |website=Baseball America}}</ref>
===Colorado Rockies=== On December 4, 2018, González signed a minor league contract with the Colorado Rockies.<ref>{{cite tweet|number=1070145296573784065|user=gfraley|title=Chi Chi Gonzalez, taken by Rangers with 23rd overall pick in 2013, goes to Colorado on minor-league deal.<!-- full text of tweet that Twitter returned to the bot (excluding links) added by TweetCiteBot. This may be better truncated or may need expanding (TW limits responses to 140 characters) or case changes. --> |date=December 5, 2018}}</ref> On June 25, his contract was selected by the Rockies.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kyle Newman |date=June 24, 2019 |title=Right-hander Chi Chi Gonzalez to make Rockies debut Tuesday in San Francisco |url=https://www.denverpost.com/2019/06/24/chi-chi-gonzalez-rockies-debut-giants/ |access-date=June 25, 2019 |website=The Denver Post}}</ref> In 2019, González pitched to a 5.29 earned run average over 14 games for the Rockies, with 46 strikeouts. In 2020 for the Rockies, González pitched to a 6.86 ERA with 16 strikeouts in {{fraction|19|2|3}} innings pitched. On December 2, González was non-tendered by the Rockies, and became a free agent.
On December 11, 2020, González re-signed with the Rockies on a minor league contract.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2020/12/rockies-sign-chi-chi-gonzalez-to-minor-league-deal.html|title = Rockies Sign Chi Chi Gonzalez to Minor League Deal| date=December 11, 2020 }}</ref> On March 27, 2021, González was selected to the 40-man roster.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/03/rockies-select-chi-chi-gonzalez-to-40-man-roster.html|title = Rockies Select Chi Chi Gonzalez to 40-Man Roster| date=March 27, 2021 }}</ref> González made 24 appearances for the Rockies, going 3–7 with a 6.46 earned run average and 56 strikeouts. On October 3, the Rockies designated González for assignment.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/10/rockies-designate-chi-chi-gonzalez-for-assignment.html|title=Rockies Designate Chi Chi Gonzalez For Assignment|website=MLB Trade Rumors|date=October 3, 2021 }}</ref> On October 8, González elected free agency.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/10/players-recently-electing-free-agency-2.html|title = Players Recently Electing Free Agency| date=October 14, 2021 |location=MLB Trade Rumors|access-date=October 14, 2021}}</ref>
===Minnesota Twins=== On March 18, 2022, González signed a minor league contract with the Minnesota Twins. He had his contract selected on June 3, and was returned to Triple-A on June 4. On June 10, González triggered the opt-out clause in his contract, giving Minnesota until the weekend to add him to the 40-man roster or release him. The next day, González was selected to the active roster to start against the Tampa Bay Rays. He lasted four innings, giving up three earned runs on eight hits while striking out three, and was designated for assignment following the game.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Twins' Chi Chi Gonzalez: Designated for assignment|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/twins-chi-chi-gonzalez-designated-for-assignment/amp/|access-date=February 8, 2023|website=cbssports.com|language=en}}</ref>
===Milwaukee Brewers=== On June 14, 2022, Gonzalez was claimed off waivers by the Milwaukee Brewers after having been designated for assignment by the Minnesota Twins.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Brewers Claim Chi Chi Gonzalez Off Waivers From Twins |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2022/06/brewers-claim-chi-chi-gonzalez-waivers-twins.html |access-date=June 26, 2022 |website=MLB Trade Rumors |date=June 14, 2022 |language=en-US}}</ref> He made his first start for Milwaukee on June 21, 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Brewers' Chi Chi Gonzalez: Making spot start |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/brewers-chi-chi-gonzalez-making-spot-start/ |access-date=June 26, 2022 |website=CBSSports.com |date=June 21, 2022 |language=en}}</ref> In 4 games (2 starts) for Milwaukee, Gonzalez registered a 6.35 ERA with 8 strikeouts in 11.1 innings pitched. He was designated for assignment on July 12. He cleared waivers and was sent outright to the Triple-A Nashville Sounds on July 16. However, González rejected the assignment and elected free agency.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Chi Chi Gonzalez: Elects free agency|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/chi-chi-gonzalez-elects-free-agency/|access-date=May 24, 2023|website=cbssports.com|date=July 16, 2022 |language=en}}</ref>
===Detroit Tigers=== On July 22, 2022, Gonzalez signed a minor league deal with the Tigers and assigned him to the Toledo Mud Hens. On August 26, 2022, he opted out of the minor league contract and was released.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chi Chi Gonzalez Opts Out Of Deal With Tigers |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2022/08/chi-chi-gonzalez-opts-out-of-deal-with-tigers.html |access-date=August 28, 2022 |website=MLB Trade Rumors |date=August 26, 2022 |language=en-US}}</ref>
===New York Yankees=== On August 30, 2022, Gonzalez signed a minor league deal with the New York Yankees. He was called up and made his first start on October 2, against the Baltimore Orioles. He was designated for assignment on October 3, and assigned the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nj.com/yankees/2022/10/yankees-assign-pitcher-to-triple-a-scrantonwilkes-barre-after-bronx-cameo.html|title=Yankees assign pitcher to Triple-A after Bronx cameo|first=Mike Rosenstein | NJ Advance Media for|last=NJ.com|date=October 6, 2022|website=nj}}</ref> On October 24, Gonzalez elected free agency.
===Miami Marlins=== On December 15, 2022, Gonzalez signed a minor league contract with the Miami Marlins. He began the 2023 season with the Triple-A Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, making 6 starts and registering a 2-2 record and 4.54 ERA with 18 strikeouts in {{frac|33|2|3}} innings pitched. On May 4, 2023, Gonzalez had his contract selected to the active roster.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Marlins' Chi Chi Gonzalez: Contract selected by MIA|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/marlins-chi-chi-gonzalez-contract-selected-by-mia/amp/|access-date=May 4, 2023|website=cbssports.com|language=en}}</ref> In two relief appearances for Miami, Gonzalez surrendered one run on four hits with two strikeouts in {{fraction|2|2|3}} innings pitched. He was designated for assignment on May 12, following the promotion of Eury Pérez.<ref>{{cite web|title=Marlins' Chi Chi Gonzalez: Designated for assignment|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/marlins-chi-chi-gonzalez-designated-for-assignment/|access-date=May 12, 2023|website=cbssports.com|date=May 12, 2023 |language=en}}</ref> He cleared waivers and was sent outright to Jacksonville on May 14.<ref>{{cite web|title=Marlins' Chi Chi Gonzalez: Sent outright to Triple-A|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/marlins-chi-chi-gonzalez-sent-outright-to-triple-a/|access-date=May 15, 2023|website=cbssports.com|date=May 15, 2023 |language=en}}</ref> On September 17, Gonzalez had his contract selected back to the major league roster.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Marlins' Chi Chi Gonzalez: Rejoins big club|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/marlins-chi-chi-gonzalez-rejoins-big-club/|access-date=September 17, 2023|website=cbssports.com|date=September 17, 2023 |language=en}}</ref> He was designated for assignment for a second time on September 20.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Marlins' Chi Chi Gonzalez: Pushed off 40-man roster|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/marlins-chi-chi-gonzalez-pushed-off-40-man-roster/|access-date=September 20, 2023|website=cbssports.com|date=September 20, 2023 |language=en}}</ref> Gonzalez again cleared waivers and was outrighted to Jacksonville on September 23.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Marlins' Chi Chi Gonzalez: Outrighted to Triple-A|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/marlins-chi-chi-gonzalez-outrighted-to-triple-a/|access-date=September 27, 2023|website=cbssports.com|date=September 26, 2023 |language=en}}</ref> He elected free agency on October 15.<ref>{{cite web | title=Transactions | website=MiLB.com | date=2023-10-15 | url=https://www.milb.com/transactions/2023-10-15 | access-date=2025-11-28}}</ref>
==Coaching career== Prior to the 2025 season, González joined the Miami Marlins as a bullpen catcher.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Former Rangers first round pick now has unique role on Marlins' coaching staff|url=https://nolanwritin.com/former-rangers-first-round-pick-unique-role-marlins-staff-01jxg8d8rn0c|access-date=October 30, 2025|website=nolanwritin.com|language=en}}</ref> On November 21, 2025, it was announced that González would not be returning to the team for the 2026 campaign.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Offishial News: Marlins coaching staff carousel; La Gente del Barrio lineup|url=https://www.tarheeltimes.com/article164257.aspx|access-date=February 8, 2026|website=fishonfirst.com|language=en}}</ref>
==Personal life== Gonzalez is of Cuban descent.<ref>{{cite web | last=Harding | first=Thomas | title=Chi Chi González makes statement in loss to Dodgers | website=MLB.com | date=2021-07-17 | url=https://www.mlb.com/news/chi-chi-gonzalez-makes-statement-in-loss-to-dodgers | access-date=2025-11-22}}</ref>
==References== {{reflist|30em}}
==External links== {{Baseballstats|mlb=592346|espn=33386|br=g/gonzach01|fangraphs=14663|brm=gonzal001ale|retro=G/Pgonzc002}} *{{Instagram|alexgonzalezchi92}}
{{2013 MLB Draft}} {{Texas Rangers first-round draft picks}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Gonzalez, Chi Chi}} Category:1992 births Category:Living people Category:Albuquerque Isotopes players Category:21st-century American sportsmen Category:American people of Cuban descent Category:Sportspeople of Cuban descent Category:Arizona Complex League Rockies players Category:Arizona League Rangers players Category:Boca Raton Community High School alumni Category:Colorado Rockies players Category:Frisco RoughRiders players Category:Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp players Category:Major League Baseball pitchers Category:Miami Marlins players Category:Milwaukee Brewers players Category:Minnesota Twins players Category:Myrtle Beach Pelicans players Category:New York Yankees players Category:Oral Roberts Golden Eagles baseball players Category:Round Rock Express players Category:Spokane Indians players Category:Sportspeople from Delray Beach, Florida Category:Baseball players from Palm Beach County, Florida Category:Texas Rangers players Category:Yarmouth–Dennis Red Sox players