Windy City ThunderBolts pitcher Ruddy Gomez has had his contract purchased by the Minnesota Twins.
Gomez signed with the ThunderBolts on June 7, 2024 and made a big impact in his rookie season. He appeared in 13 games (12 starts) and went 4-4 with a 4.24 ERA over the final three months of the year. He struck out 79 batters in 70 innings.
In his best start of the year, on July 21 in Joliet, Gomez carried a no-hitter into the sixth inning. He ended up allowing only three hits total in a 1-0 victory over the Slammers. It was his first pro win and it kicked off a great second half of the season in which he posted a 3.59 ERA after the all-star break.
The 25-year-old Gomez came to the ThunderBolts from the University of Central Florida, where he went 10-3 over two years with a 4.83 ERA. He also spent time collegiately at Hillsborough Community College and St. Leo University.
In 2023, he played in the MLB Draft League, where he struck out 30 batters over 18.2 innings across five starts.
Gomez is the third member of the 2024 ThunderBolts to be signed by a Major League organization. Derrick Edington was picked up by the Tampa Bay Rays in late May and is currently with their High-A affiliate in Bowling Green. Tyler LaPorte was signed by the Atlanta Braves during the offseason and is currently pitching for their High-A affiliate in Rome. Gomez is expected to be assigned to the Twins’ Rookie level Florida Complex League affiliate to begin the 2025 campaign.
Overall, Gomez is the 69th ThunderBolt to be signed to an affiliated contract since 1999. Of the 69, five are currently active.
