The Phillies have lost another former pitcher way too young. Cuban-born pitcher Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez has passed away, the Phillies announced a couple of hours after the news was reported in Gonzalez's native Cuba. Gonzalez died in a motor vehicle accident in Havana, Cuba. The Phillies released the following statement:
The Phillies are saddened to learn about the passing of former pitcher Miguel Alfredo González. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.
Gonzalez was last in the Phillies organization in 2016. The Phillies signed Gonzalez in late 2013, after he had left his native Cuba and became eligible to play in the United States. The original deal was reported to be six years and $30 million, but concerns with his shoulder led the Phillies to come down from that deal. The final agreement was three years and $12 million. Gonzalez never really recovered from that injury.
In 37 minor league appearances, Gonzalez went a combined 0-6 with a 3.57 earned run average. For the big league club, Gonzalez was 0-1 with a 6.75 earned run average in six appearances. Gonzalez was once a star for the Cuban national team and was considered a top prospect when the Phillies signed him as a free agent. Gonzalez had not pitched for two seasons by the time the Phillies signed him, as he was suspended for attempting to defect from Cuba in early 2012. He was successful a year later and took up residency in El Salvador.
According to his official age in major league baseball, Gonzalez turned 31 in September. However, the report in Cuba says he passed away at age 34.
