The Brewers have officially signed free agent shortstop Alex Gonzalez to a one-year, Major League contract. Gonzalez, a client of agent Eric Goldschmidt, will obtain a $1.5MM guarantee and could earn an additional $1MM in incentives.
Gonzalez played for the Brewers in 2012, but appeared in just 24 games after signing for $4.25MM. The Brewers placed Gonzalez on the disabled list with an ACL tear in early May, and he didn't play again. Before hitting the disabled list, the 35-year-old posted a .259/.326/.457 batting line in 89 plate appearances. In general, Gonzalez has been a low-average, low-OBP hitter with some power and a steady glove throughout his 14-year MLB career.
Gonzalez provides the Brewers with an experienced alternative to Jean Segura. Segura, 22, joined the Brewers in the Zack Greinke trade last summer and hit .264/.321/.331 in 163 late summer plate appearances with Milwaukee.
Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports first reported the deal (all Twitter links).
