Yuba-Sutter High Wheelers Jose Gonzalez has signed a contract with the Houston Astros organization. Photo by Yuba-Sutter High Wheelers

MARYSVILLE, CA (MPG) - The Yuba-Sutter High Wheelers are excited to announce 2024 Outfielder Jose Gonzalez has signed a contract with the Houston Astros organization.

Gonzalez, originally from Spring, Texas, was one of the original 26 members of the 2024 Pioneer Baseball League Champion Yolo High Wheelers. 

“I am so happy for Jose. He was one of our team leaders and is very worthy of this opportunity. I loved the intensity that he brought to the ballpark every day and I am looking forward to seeing him take his game to the next level with the Astros,” said Billy Horton, Yuba-Sutter High Wheelers manager.

A stalwart in the High Wheelers lineup, Gonzalez played in 88 games in 2024, typically in the cleanup position. He led the team in home runs (19), RBI (84) and OPS (1.113). Prior to his time with the High Wheelers, Gonzalez attended Navarro College and Texas State University, and in 2023, made his professional debut in the Major League Baseball Draft League for the Williamsport Crosscutters.

Gonzalez is the second player in High Wheeler history to be signed to a Major League Baseball contract, joining Mike Sansone. Sansone was picked up by the Boston Red Sox prior to the 2024 season, playing with the Salem Red Sox (Single A) where he finished with a 3.11 ERA, 68 strikeouts, and 9 walks in 72.1 innings.

In February, Gonzalez will report to Houston Astros spring training in West Palm Beach, Florida.