Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Adrián González

Discover the career path of Adrián González, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Adrián González, nicknamed "A-Gon" and "Titán", is a Mexican-American former professional baseball first baseman. He had a successful MLB career playing for several teams including the Texas Rangers, San Diego Padres, Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, and New York Mets. He was known for his exceptional hitting and fielding abilities at first base.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

June 2000: First Overall Pick in the MLB Draft

In June 2000, Adrián González became the first infield position player to be drafted first overall since Alex Rodriguez in 1993. He was given a $3 million signing bonus by the Florida Marlins.

2000: First Overall Pick in the MLB Draft

In 2000, Adrián González was the first overall pick in the MLB draft by the Florida Marlins.

2002: Played for the Portland Sea Dogs

In 2002, Adrián González played for the Portland Sea Dogs in the Marlins organization.

June 2003: Traded to the Texas Rangers

In June 2003, Adrián González was traded to the Texas Rangers along with Ryan Snare and minor leaguer Will Smith to acquire relief pitcher Ugueth Urbina.

2003: Played for the Albuquerque Isotopes and Carolina Mudcats

In 2003, Adrián González played for the Albuquerque Isotopes and the Carolina Mudcats in the Marlins organization.

April 18, 2004: Major League Debut

On April 18, 2004, Adrián González made his major-league debut against the Seattle Mariners, going hitless in three at-bats.

2004: MLB Debut with the Texas Rangers

In 2004, Adrián González made his MLB debut with the Texas Rangers.

2005: Traded to the San Diego Padres

After the 2005 season, Adrián González was traded to the San Diego Padres.

2005: Played for the Texas Rangers

In 2005, Adrián González played in 43 games for Texas, with a combined batting average of .229 and 7 home runs.

2006: Highest batting average in first season with San Diego

In 2006, Adrián González had a batting average of .304 which was his highest since his first season with San Diego.

2006: Played for Mexico in the World Baseball Classic

In 2006, Adrián González played for Mexico in the World Baseball Classic.

2006: RBI total

In the 2015 season Adrián González recorded his 1,000th career RBI and had 90 RBI, the lowest RBI total since 2006.

March 31, 2007: Agreed to a Four-Year Deal with the Padres

On March 31, 2007, Adrián González agreed to a $9.5 million, four-year deal with the San Diego Padres, with a club option for $5.5 million in 2011.

2008: Elected to MLB All-Star Game and won Gold Glove Award

In 2008, Adrián González was elected to the MLB All-Star Game as a reserve and won his first Gold Glove Award at first base. He set career highs in multiple stats and was named the Padres MVP for the second time.

2008: Brother Edgar Debuted in the Major Leagues

In 2008, Adrián González's brother, Edgar Gonzalez, debuted in the major leagues as a utility man with the San Diego Padres, joining his brother as a teammate.

2009: Led Majors in Walks and Hit 40 Home Runs

In 2009, Adrián González led the majors in walks with 119 and hit 40 home runs for the first time in his career. He was also named the Padres team MVP for the third time.

2009: Played for Mexico in the World Baseball Classic

In 2009, Adrián González played for Mexico in the World Baseball Classic.

2009: Led Team to Victory in Caribbean Series

In the 2009 Caribbean Series, Adrián González led his team, the Venados de Mazatlán, past the Dominican Republic's Tigres del Licey with a record-setting 3 home runs on February 4.

December 6, 2010: Traded to the Boston Red Sox

On December 6, 2010, Adrián González was traded to the Boston Red Sox for Casey Kelly, Anthony Rizzo, Reymond Fuentes, and Eric Patterson.

2010: Traded to the Boston Red Sox

After the 2010 season, Adrián González was traded to the Boston Red Sox.

2010: Season Statistics

During the 2010 season, Adrián González had 176 hits in 591 at-bats, good for a .298 batting average. He finished with 31 home runs and 101 RBI.

2010: Named NL Player of the Week and Elected to All-Star Game

In 2010, Adrián González was named the NL Player of the Week for the fourth time in his career. He was also elected to participate in his third consecutive All-Star game.

April 15, 2011: Signed Contract Extension with the Red Sox

On April 15, 2011, Adrián González and the Red Sox agreed to a seven-year contract extension worth $154 million through the 2018 season.

June 19, 2011: 1,000th Career Hit

On June 19, 2011, Adrián González recorded his 1,000th career hit: a triple off of Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Yovani Gallardo.

July 3, 2011: Selected to 2011 All-Star Game

On July 3, 2011, Adrián González was selected to represent the Red Sox at the 2011 All-Star Game. He also participated in the Home Run Derby, finishing second to Robinson Canó.

2011: Club option for $5.5 million

In 2011, Adrián González had a club option for $5.5 million with the San Diego Padres.

August 2012: Traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers

In August 2012, Adrián González was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

August 25, 2012: Traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers

On August 25, 2012, Adrián González was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers and in his first at bat he hit a three-run home run against the Miami Marlins.

2012: Appeared in 123 games with the Red Sox

In 2012, Adrián González appeared in 123 games with the Red Sox, hitting .300 with 15 home runs and 86 RBI.

2013: Played for Mexico in the World Baseball Classic

In 2013, Adrián González played for Mexico in the World Baseball Classic.

2013: NLCS Game 5

In the 2013 NLCS Game 5 against the St. Louis Cardinals, Adrián González went 3 for 4 with 2 home runs, but the Dodgers would eventually lose the series in six games.

2013: Played for the Los Angeles Dodgers

In the 2013 season, Adrián González played in 157 games for the Dodgers and hit .293 with 22 home runs and 100 RBI. He was a candidate for the final vote at the 2013 Major League Baseball All-Star Game.

2014: Led MLB in RBI and Won Awards

Adrián González finished the 2014 season with 116 RBI, the most in all of Major League Baseball. He won the Silver Slugger Award, Gold Glove Award, Fielding Bible Award and Wilson Defensive Player of the Year Award.

2015: Opened Season with 5 Home Runs in 3 Games

Adrián González opened the 2015 season with five home runs in the first three games. He tied the team record by homering in his fifth consecutive game dating back to the end of the 2014 season. He was selected to the 2015 Major League Baseball All-Star Game.

June 22, 2016: Highlight-reel catch against the Washington Nationals

On June 22, 2016, González made a highlight-reel catch against the Washington Nationals after a ball in foul territory deflected off Chase Utley's glove and off Gonzalez's leg.

August 7, 2016: 300th career home run

On August 7, 2016, González hit his 300th career home run against the Boston Red Sox.

December 16, 2017: Traded to the Atlanta Braves

On December 16, 2017, González was traded by the Dodgers along with Charlie Culberson, Scott Kazmir, Brandon McCarthy, and cash considerations to the Atlanta Braves for Matt Kemp. Immediately following the trade, the Braves designated González for assignment.