Position: RHP
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 205 lbs
Bats/Throws: L/R
Born: 02/03/1997
College: Jacksonville University
Drafted: 14th round, 420th Overall, 2018 (Rays)
How Acquired: Minor League Free Agent
Bonus: $125,000
40-man Roster: No
Rule 5 Eligible: Yes
Minor League Free Agency: 2024
Options Left: 3
Overview
The Rays drafted Gau in the 14th round out of Jacksonville, where he had a strong season as a junior in 2018. He put up a 2.58 ERA and 0.99 WHIP, although with a modest 7.7 K/9. Gau’s fastball averages about 90 mph, and he adds a slider, curve and cutter. A starter in college, he’s pitched in relief nearly all the time as a pro. In the minors, Gau has had good walk and K rates. He got good results with the Rays until he reached AAA, although he didn’t pitch very much there. He’s been old for his levels. The Rays released him after the 2023 season even though he had a year before minor league free agency. The Pirates signed him to a minor league deal for 2024.
2018-20
The Rays kept Gau in short season ball his first two seasons, except for two outings at the beginning of 2019. He put up good numbers in advanced rookie ball in 2018, then had a 4.01 ERA but good peripherals in the New York-Penn League in 2019. He didn’t pitch in the pandemic year.
2021-23
In 2021, the Rays sent Gau to High Class A; of course, by then he was already 24. He pitched well, with a 14.4 K/9, then fanned 21 in 11.2 IP in seven late-season outings in AA. In 2022, Gau opened the season in AAA, but struggled and went back to AA, where he put up very good numbers. The Rays sent him back to AA in 2023 and he again had good numbers, with a WHIP of 0.95 and K/9 of 11.2. He only made four appearances in AAA, though, all in May and June. According to Baseball America, the Rays released him during the offseason and the Pirates signed him to a minor league deal for 2024. He’ll be 27 when the season opens.
Stats
Transactions
June 6, 2018: Drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 14th round, 420th overall pick; signed June 9.
January 7, 2024: Released by the Tampa Bay Rays.
January 11, 2024: Signed as a minor league free agent by the Pittsburgh Pirates.