TORONTO — Back before Logan Gilbert had thrown a professional pitch, while George Kirby was still firing fastballs at Elon University and Robbie Ray was still trying to sort out his mechanics and harness his stuff for other teams to be the pitcher worthy of a $115 million contract, Marco Gonzales stepped forward to lead the Mariners’ pitching staff.
As the new regime transitioned, albeit awkwardly at times, away from Felix Hernandez, Gonzales, who was acquired in a 2017 midseason trade, became the de facto ace of the staff despite possessing the typical physical gifts of a starter.
With a nasty competitive streak that belied his boy-next-door appearance, he did everything the Mariners could’ve asked for and more. He performed. He led by example. And he demanded accountability.
