Michael Ynoa


Michael Jose Ynoa Ventura also known as Michel Inoa, is a Dominican professional baseball pitcher for the Oakland Athletics organization. He has played in Major League Baseball for the Chicago White Sox.

Career

Oakland Athletics

Ynoa signed with the Oakland Athletics of Major League Baseball for the amount of $4.25 million, setting a new record for the A's organization after lefty pitcher Mark Mulder was signed for 3.2 million in 1998. Ynoa was named the "Number One" and the "crown jewel" in the "Best Latino Prospects of 2008." Ynoa is said to be the most impressive Latin American player prospect since Félix Hernández in 2002. Two MLB teams "reportedly offered Ynoa about $5 million." It was reported that Ynoa signed with Oakland after a deal fell through with the New York Yankees. The Yankees reportedly broke off talks with Ynoa after agent Adam Katz sought to renegotiate a handshake agreement with the club.
In August 2010, after pitching nine innings in the Arizona League, Ynoa underwent Tommy John surgery. Ynoa's contract was selected by the Athletics on November 20, 2012, and he was added to the 40-man roster.

Chicago White Sox

After the 2014 season, the Athletics traded Ynoa and Jeff Samardzija to the Chicago White Sox in exchange for Marcus Semien, Chris Bassitt, Rangel Ravelo and Josh Phegley.
On June 14, 2016, the White Sox promoted Ynoa to the major leagues. In 45 games over the 2016-2017 seasons, Ynoa compiled a 2-0 record, with a 4.42 ERA in 59 innings. He was released on March 15, 2018.

Kansas City Royals

On November 13, 2018, Ynoa signed a minor league contract with the Kansas City Royals. He was assigned to AAA Omaha Storm Chasers to start the 2019 season. He was released on May 29.

Second Stint with Athletics

On February 12, 2020, Ynoa signed a minor league deal with the Oakland Athletics.

Spelling of name

"Michel Ynoa" is the original spelling of Michael's name. His first name was anglicized to "Michael" after he signed with the Oakland Athletics in July 2008. Although Michael's last name is more commonly spelled with an "I", as of February 2009, he will be using the original spelling "Ynoa." "According to A's director of player development Keith Lieppman, noa will start going by the original spelling of his last name, 'Ynoa.' Somewhere along the line, there was a mixup on the spelling, and the pitcher's name made its way into the public forum with an 'I.'"

Personal life

Ynoa's younger brother, Huascar, is also a professional baseball pitcher.