Wilmer Font

{{Infobox baseball biography

|name = Wilmer Font

|image = Wilmer Font (cropped).jpg

|caption = Font with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2020

|position = Pitcher

|team = Free agent

|number =

|bats = Right

|throws = Right

|birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1990|5|24}}

|birth_place = La Guaira, Venezuela

|debutleague = MLB

|debutdate = September 18

|debutyear = 2012

|debutteam = Texas Rangers

|debut2league= KBO

|debut2date = April 7

|debut2year = 2021

|debut2team = SSG Landers

|statyear = 2020 season

|statleague = MLB

|stat1label = Win–loss record

|stat1value = 7–11

|stat2label = Earned run average

|stat2value = 5.82

|stat3label = Strikeouts

|stat3value = 150

|stat2year = 2022 season

|stat2league = KBO

|stat21label = Win–loss record

|stat21value = 21-11

|stat22label = Earned run average

|stat22value = 3.03

|stat23label = Strikeouts

|stat23value = 327

|teams =

Texas Rangers ({{mlby|2012}}–{{mlby|2013}})
Los Angeles Dodgers ({{mlby|2017}}–{{mlby|2018}})
Oakland Athletics ({{mlby|2018}})
Tampa Bay Rays ({{mlby|2018}}–{{mlby|2019}})
New York Mets ({{mlby|2019}})
Toronto Blue Jays ({{mlby|2019}}–{{mlby|2020}})
SSG Landers ({{by|2021}}–{{by|2022}})

|awards =

Korean Series champion ({{by|2022}})

}}

Wilmer Font Gómez (born May 24, 1990) is a Venezuelan professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Tampa Bay Rays, Texas Rangers, Los Angeles Dodgers, Oakland Athletics, New York Mets, and Toronto Blue Jays. He has also played in the KBO League for the SSG Landers.

Professional career

=Texas Rangers=

The Texas Rangers signed Font as an international free agent on July 11, 2006.{{cite web| url= https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/f/fontwi01.shtml|title= Wilmer Font Statistics & History |work=Baseball-Reference.com}} He began his professional career in 2007, playing for the Arizona League Rangers. That year, he went 2–3 with a 4.53 ERA in 14 games (10 starts), striking out 61 batters in {{frac|45|2|3}} innings.{{cite web| url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=font--001wil|title=Wilmer Font Minor, Winter and Independent League Statistics & History|work=Baseball-Reference.com}} In 2008, he again pitched for the AZL Rangers, going 1–0 with a 10.38 ERA in three starts, striking out six batters in {{frac|4|1|3}} innings (that year he allowed only one hit and one walk, but he hit three batters).

In 2009, Font went 8–3 with a 3.49 ERA in 29 games (24 starts), striking out 105 batters in {{frac|108|1|3}} innings for the Hickory Crawdads. He split 2010 between the Crawdads and Bakersfield Blaze, going 5–3 with a 4.35 ERA in 16 starts, striking out 85 batters in {{frac|78|2|3}} innings. His 2010 season ended early when he came down with an elbow injury on July 7 which led to him undergoing Tommy John surgery after the season.{{cite web| url= https://www.mlb.com/player/wilmer-font-521655|work=mlb.com|title=Wilmer Font bio|access-date=September 2, 2017}} He missed the entire 2011 season while recovering from the surgery. He returned in 2012 and pitched in 33 games (19 starts) primarily with the Myrtle Beach Pelicans and Frisco RoughRiders. He had a 4.03 ERA.

Font made his major league debut for the Rangers on September 18, 2012, pitching one scoreless inning of relief against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.{{cite web| url= https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/ANA/ANA201209180.shtml |title=Texas Rangers at Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Box Score, September 18, 2012|work=Baseball-Reference.com| access-date= September 2, 2017}} He pitched two innings over three games for the Rangers, allowing two earned runs and striking out one batter.{{cite web| url= https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=fontwi01&t=p&year=2012|title=Wilmer Font 2012 Pitching Gamelogs| work= Baseball-Reference.com|access-date= September 2, 2017}} His first MLB strikeout was against Mike Trout of the Angels on September 28.{{cite web| url= https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/TEX/TEX201209280.shtml|title=Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Texas Rangers Box Score, September 28, 2012| work= Baseball-Reference.com| access-date= September 2, 2017}}

Font spent most of the 2013 season in the minors, pitching in 26 games for Frisco and 16 for the Round Rock Express. In 42 games, he had a 1.90 ERA. He also pitched in two games in the majors for the Rangers in July, and did not allow a run in {{fraction|1|1|3}} innings.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=fontwi01&t=p&year=2013|title=Wilmer Font 2013 Pitching Gamelogs| work= Baseball-Reference.com| access-date= September 2, 2017}} He spent the entire 2014 season with Frisco and was 1–2 with a 3.48 ERA in 29 games. Font was designated for assignment on October 2, 2014.{{cite news| title= Rangers receive Alfredo Figaro from Milwaukee on waiver claim| url= http://m.rangers.mlb.com/news/article/97322008/rangers-receive-alfredo-figaro-from-milwaukee-on-waiver-claim| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20141017024643/http://m.rangers.mlb.com/news/article/97322008/rangers-receive-alfredo-figaro-from-milwaukee-on-waiver-claim| url-status= dead| archive-date= October 17, 2014|access-date=October 10, 2014| work=MLB.com|date=October 2, 2014}} He cleared waivers and was sent outright to Round Rock on October 6.{{Cite web|title=Rangers outright 6 players to Triple-A Round Rock|url=https://www.si.com/mlb/2014/10/06/ap-bba-rangers-moves|access-date=December 28, 2024|website=si.com|date=October 6, 2014 |language=en}}

=Ottawa Champions=

Font signed with the Cincinnati Reds in the offseason, but was released on March 31, 2015.{{cite web| url= http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2015/03/released-bello-herndon-accardo-rodriguez-rogers.html|title=Released: Bello, Herndon, Accardo, Rodriguez, Rogers|last=Todd|first=Jeff|work=mlbtraderumors.com|date=March 31, 2015 |access-date=March 31, 2015}} He then signed with the Ottawa Champions of the Canadian American Association of Professional Baseball for the 2015 season.{{cite web| url= http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/wilmer-font-called-up-los-angeles-dodgers-1.4271276| title=Former Ottawa Champions hurler Wilmer Font gets called up to the majors |work= CBC.ca |date=August 31, 2017|access-date=September 2, 2017}} He made 20 starts for the Champions and was 10–4 with a 4.09 ERA. He returned to Ottawa to start the 2016 season and began 2–2 with a 4.18 ERA in 10 games (9 starts).

=Toronto Blue Jays=

On July 4, 2016, Font's contract was purchased by the Toronto Blue Jays organization.{{cite tweet| user= shidavidi | title= #BlueJays purchase contract of RHP Wilmer Font from Ottawa Champions of Can-Am League, expected to assign him to double-A or triple-A |number = 750009463378178048| author= DavidI, Shi |date=July 4, 2016| access-date=July 4, 2016}} He pitched in 12 games (11 starts) split between the Double–A New Hampshire Fisher Cats and Triple–A Buffalo Bisons, compiling a 4–4 record and 3.68 ERA with 55 strikeouts over 66 innings of work. Font elected free agency following the season on November 7.{{Cite web|title=Minor League Free Agents 2016|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/minor-league-free-agents-2016/|access-date=August 3, 2024|website=baseballamerica.com|date=November 8, 2016 |language=en}}

=Los Angeles Dodgers=

Font signed a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers in December 2016.{{cite web| url= http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/minor-league-transactions-dec-10-22-2/#MdPvu7MfJ8OP4j2G.97| title= Minor League Transactions: Dec. 10-22| first= Matt| last= Eddy| date=December 24, 2016|access-date=December 24, 2016}} He was assigned to the Triple-A Oklahoma City Dodgers to begin the season{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/okc-dodgers/news/okc-dodgers-release-2017-opening-day-roster/c-222441954/t-196093382|title=OKC Dodgers Release 2017 Opening Day Roster|work=milb.com|author=Oklahoma City Dodgers|date=April 5, 2017|access-date=April 5, 2017|archive-date=August 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170802132107/https://www.milb.com/okc-dodgers/news/okc-dodgers-release-2017-opening-day-roster/c-222441954/t-196093382|url-status=dead}} and was selected as the starting pitcher for the Pacific Coast League mid-season all-star team.{{cite web| url=https://www.truebluela.com/all-star-game/2017/6/28/15888800/willie-calhoun-alex-verdugo-wilmer-font-madison-younginer-pcl-all-stars-dodgers-okc|title=Willie Calhoun, Alex Verdugo lead 4 Oklahoma City All-Stars|work=truebluela.com | first= Eric| last=Stephen|date=June 28, 2017| access-date=June 28, 2017}} Font started 25 games for Oklahoma City in 2017 and was 10–8 with a 3.42 ERA and 178 strikeouts, setting a new team franchise record and winning him the Pacific Coast League Pitcher of the Year Award.{{cite web| url= https://www.milb.com/pacific-coast/news/historic-season-earns-font-pitcher-of-the-year/c-251652222/t-209979204|title=Historic season earns Font Pitcher of the Year|work=milb.com|author=Pacific Coast League|date=August 31, 2017| access-date=September 2, 2017}}

Font was promoted to the majors with the Dodgers on September 2.{{cite web| url= https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/dodgers-wilmer-font-to-be-called-up-saturday/|title=Dodgers' Wilmer Font: To be called up Saturday| work= CBS Sports| date= September 2, 2017|access-date= September 2, 2017}} He appeared in just three games for the Dodgers, allowing seven runs in just {{fraction|3|2|3}} innings of work with three strikeouts and four walks.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=fontwi01&t=p&year=2017|title=Wilmer Font 2017 Pitching Gamelogs| work= Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=October 20, 2017}} He began 2018 in the Dodgers bullpen and allowed 13 runs and 18 hits in {{fraction|10|1|3}} innings over six games, including picking up the loss in two extra inning games.{{cite web| url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=fontwi01&t=p&year=2018|title=Wilmer Font 2018 Pitching Gamelogs| work=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=April 23, 2018}} On April 23, he was designated for assignment and removed from the active roster.{{cite web| url= https://www.truebluela.com/2018/4/23/17273096/wilmer-font-dfa-dodgers-walker-buehler|title=Wilmer Font designated for assignment to make room for Walker Buehler| work= truebluela.com |first= Eric| last= Stephen |date=April 23, 2018|access-date=April 23, 2018}}

=Oakland Athletics=

On April 25, 2018, the Dodgers traded Font to the Oakland Athletics in exchange for minor leaguer Logan Salow.{{cite web| url= https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2018/04/athletics-acquire-wilmer-font.html| title=Athletics Acquire Wilmer Font| work=MLB Trade Rumors| first= Jeff| last=Todd|date=April 25, 2018| access-date=April 25, 2018}} He posted an ERA of 14.85 in 4 appearances before being designated for assignment on May 23.{{cite web| url= https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2018/05/athletics-khris-davis-dl-wilmer-font-dfa-franklin-barreto-promoted.html| title=A's Place Khris Davis on DL, Designate Wilmer Font, Recall Franklin Barreto| work= mlbtraderumors.com|first=Steve|last=Adams|date=May 23, 2018|access-date=May 26, 2018}}

=Tampa Bay Rays=

On May 25, 2018, the Athletics traded Font to the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for minor league pitcher Peter Bayer.{{cite web| url= https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2018/05/rays-acquire-wilmer-font.html| title=Rays Acquire Wilmer Font| work= mlbtraderumors.com|first=Jeff|last=Todd| date= May 25, 2018|access-date= May 26, 2018}} Font found immediate success with the Rays posting a 1.67 ERA in 9 games (4 starts) over 27 innings before being placed on the 60-day disabled list with a right lat strain.{{Cite news| url= http://www.sportingnews.com/us/mlb/news/rays-pitcher-wilmer-font-likely-to-miss-significant-time-with-lat-strain-astros-brent-honeywell-nathan-eovaldi/tjy80dk4ri3j17vtuphxknrcp|title=Another Rays pitcher goes down with injury as Wilmer Font expected to miss 'significant time'|date=2018-06-29| work= Sporting News|access-date= 2018-07-29}}

=New York Mets=

On May 6, 2019, the Rays traded Font to the New York Mets for cash considerations or a player to be named later.{{Cite web| url= https://nypost.com/2019/05/06/mets-trade-for-wilmer-font-for-much-needed-pitching-help/|title=Mets trade for Wilmer Font for much-needed pitching help|date=6 May 2019}} On July 12, Font was designated for assignment.{{cite web| url= https://www.sny.tv/mets/news/the-mets-have-designated-wilmer-font-for-assignment/309014600|title=The Mets have designated Wilmer Font for assignment|publisher=SNY| first=Danny | last= Abriano| date=July 12, 2019|access-date=July 12, 2019}} In 15 appearances (3 starts), Font was 1–2 with 24 strikeouts in 31 innings.

=Toronto Blue Jays (second stint)=

On July 17, 2019, Font was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for cash considerations.{{cite web| url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2019/07/mets-trade-wilmer-font-blue-jays.html|title=Blue Jays Acquire Wilmer Font|publisher=MLb Trade Rumors |first=Steve | last= Adams| date= July 17, 2019|access-date=July 17, 2019}} Font was used as an opener upon being acquired from the Mets. He appeared in 23 games (14 starts), striking out 53 in {{frac|39|1|3}} innings. With the 2020 Toronto Blue Jays, Font appeared in 21 games, compiling a 1–3 record with 9.92 ERA and 15 strikeouts in 16.1 innings pitched.{{cite web| url = https://www.mlb.com/player/wilmer-font-521655| title = Wilmer Font Stats, Fantasy & News | website = MLB.com}} On September 24, 2020, Font was designated for assignment.{{Cite web|title=Blue Jays' Wilmer Font: Designated for assignment |url= https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/blue-jays-wilmer-font-designated-for-assignment/|access-date=2020-09-25| website= CBSSports.com|date= 24 September 2020|language=en}} He was outrighted on September 28. Font rejected the outright assignment and elected free agency the next day.{{Cite web| url= https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2020/09/blue-jays-outright-wilmer-font.html| title = Wilmer Font Elects Free Agency| date = 29 September 2020}}

=SSG Landers=

On October 31, 2020, Font signed a one-year, $1 million deal with the SK Wyverns of the KBO League.{{cite web| url= https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20201031002500315|title=KBO's SK Wyverns re-sign infielder, acquire 2 new pitchers| work=English.yonhapnews.co.kr|date=October 31, 2020|access-date= October 31, 2020}} The Wyverns rebranded as the SSG Landers in the offseason. Font posted an 8–5 record with a 3.46 ERA and 157 strikeouts over 25 starts. On December 17, 2021.

Font re-signed with the Landers for the 2022 season on a one-year, $1.5 million deal.{{cite web| url= https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20211217007400315| title=Heroes sign new pitcher; Lions, Landers bring back foreign players| publisher= | work = English.yonhapnews.co.kr |date= December 17, 2021 |accessdate= December 18, 2021| last1=Jee-Ho| first1=Yoo}} In his season debut for the Landers, Font tossed 9.0 perfect innings against the NC Dinos, but was not credited with a perfect game as he was replaced by reliever Kim Taek-hyeong in the bottom of the 10th inning in the 4-0 victory.{{cite web | url=https://m-en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20220402003800315 | title=Wilmer Font throws 9 perfect innings in Landers' extra-inning win on KBO Opening Day | work=Yonhap News Agency | date=2 April 2022 | last1=Jee-Ho | first1=Yoo }} He became a free agent following the 2022 season.

=San Diego Padres=

On January 5, 2023, Font signed a minor league contract with the San Diego Padres.{{Cite web|title=Padres' Wilmer Font: Gets NRI from Padres| url= https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/padres-wilmer-font-gets-nri-from-padres/|access-date=2023-01-05| website= CBSSports.com| date= 5 January 2023| language=en}} Font did not make an appearance for the Padres organization and elected free agency following the season on November 6.{{Cite web|title=2023 MiLB Free Agents|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/2023-milb-free-agents/|access-date=December 23, 2023|website=baseballamerica.com|date=November 8, 2023 |language=en}}

=Diablos Rojos del México=

On December 21, 2023, Font signed with the Diablos Rojos del México of the Mexican League.{{Cite web|title=LMB: Movimientos en listas de reserva - 21 de diciembre de 2023|url=https://www.milb.com/mexican/news/lmb-movimientos-en-listas-de-reserva-21-de-diciembre-de-2023|access-date=December 23, 2023|website=milb.com|language=en}} He was released on June 24, 2024, without appearing in a game.{{Cite web|title=LMB: Movimientos en listas de reserva - 24 de junio de 2024|url=https://www.milb.com/mexican/news/lmb-movimientos-en-listas-de-reserva-24-de-junio-de-2024|access-date=June 26, 2024|website=milb.com|language=en}} However, Font was re-signed on July 31 and subsequently placed on the reserve list, where he spent the rest of the season and did not appear in a game.{{cite web | url=https://www.milb.com/player/wilmer-font-521655 | title=Wilmer Font Stats, Age, Position, Height, Weight, Fantasy & News }} He became a free agent following the season.