Former Rangers first round pick now has unique role on Marlins' coaching staff

It's been nine years since former big league pitcher Chi Chi Gonzalez last threw a pitch in a game for the Texas Rangers. And although his playing career ended two years ago, he's still surrounded by baseball in his new role.

The once 23rd overall pick by the Rangers back in the 2013 MLB Draft, Gonzalez last played in the majors in 2023 for the Miami Marlins, appearing in two games out of the bullpen. At the start of this season he rejoined the Marlins organization but this time as one of their bullpen catchers.

Gonzalez appeared in 17 games as a member of the Rangers from 2015-16 before partially tearing his UCL in spring training during the 2017 season, not pitching for two seasons and then electing free agency. He recorded a 4.54 ERA, 37 strikeouts, 41 walks and a 1.43 WHIP in 77 innings.

He could be one of the worst draft picks in Rangers' history due to the high expectations and not even getting 100 innings of work in during his Rangers' tenure. Add that to a long list of pitching development failures from Texas over the years.

Arguably one of the cooler jobs in baseball, a bullpen catcher plays multiple roles in helping to shape the team's pitching staff. Just another member of the coaching staff, bullpen catchers offer assistance in setting up equipment, throwing batting practice, getting pitchers ready for in-game appearances, track analytics and any other support system needed.

Most importantly, a bullpen catcher's biggest assest is their knowledge of pitching and understanding their quirks, warmup styles, habits, routines and more. I guess a former big league pitcher, like Gonzalez is highly suited to succeed in a coaching role, such as this one.

Although his pitching career was less than stellar, it is a cool story to see Gonzalez turn the corner on his career and transition into a coaching role where he can develop players and contribute in a way that not many get a chance to do.