Bethune Cookman right-handed pitcher Joan Gonzalez has signed a free agent contract with the San Diego Padres.
Gonzalez represents the first Wildcat to sign a free agent contract following the conclusion of the July 9-11 Major League Baseball Draft. He is not the first to achieve his post-college destiny, joins Nolan Santos, and was selected in the 7th round of the MLB Draft (No. 207 overall pick) by the Minnesota Twins.
Gonzalez was named Black College Nines HBCU Baseball Elite’s first team following the conclusion of the 2023 regular season.
Gonzalez was one of HBCU Baseball’s top relief pitchers in 2023, leading the SWAC conference in saves with eight. In 42.1 innings pitched, Gonzalez worked a 3.61 ERA with 57 strikeouts. Opponents hit only .244 against him last season.