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John Gant

John Michael Gant (born August 6, 1992) is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Atlanta Braves, St. Louis Cardinals, and Minnesota Twins.

John Gant
Gant with the Cardinals in 2018
Free agent
Pitcher
Born: (1992-08-06) August 6, 1992 (age 32)
Savannah, Georgia, U.S.
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
MLB debut
April 6, 2016, for the Atlanta Braves
MLB statistics
(through 2021 season)
Win–loss record24–26
Earned run average3.89
Strikeouts325
Teams

Early life

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Gant was born and raised in Savannah, Georgia, before moving to Wesley Chapel, Florida at the age of 11.[1][2] He grew up an Atlanta Braves fan.[3] Gant attended Wiregrass Ranch High School in Wesley Chapel. As a senior, he was 6–0 with a 1.90 ERA with two no-hitters and 107 strikeouts.[4] He committed to play college baseball at Long Island University.[5]

Professional career

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New York Mets

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Gant was drafted by the New York Mets in the 21st round of the 2011 Major League Baseball draft out of Wiregrass Ranch High School.[6] He signed with the Mets for $185,000,[7] forgoing his commitment to Long Island, and made his professional debut with the Gulf Coast Mets, with whom he was 0–1 with a 6.48 ERA.[8] Gant spent 2012 with the Kingsport Mets and pitched one game for the Savannah Sand Gnats, and with the two teams was a combined 3–4 with a 4.98 ERA.[8] He played 2013 with the Brooklyn Cyclones where he was 6–4 with a 2.89 ERA in 13 starts and 2014 back with Savannah where he compiled an 11–5 record and 2.56 ERA in 12 starts.[9][10] Gant began the 2015 season in the Binghamton Mets starting rotation, for whom he was 4–5 with a 4.70 ERA,[11][8] He also started six games for the St. Lucie Mets.

Atlanta Braves

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Gant with the Atlanta Braves in 2016.

On July 24, 2015, the Mets traded Gant and Rob Whalen to the Atlanta Braves for Juan Uribe and Kelly Johnson.[12] He was assigned to the Mississippi Braves.[13] In 24 games started between Binghamton, St. Lucie and Mississippi, he was 10–5 with a 3.08 ERA and 1.23 WHIP. The Braves added him to their 40-man roster after the season.[14] Gant was invited to spring training to begin the 2016 season, and pitched well enough for the team to consider placing him in the major league bullpen, though Gant had worked primarily as a starter in the minor leagues.[15] He pitched 15+1⁄3 innings and allowed four earned runs in spring training,[16] making the Opening Day roster as a reliever.[17]

Gant made his major league debut on April 6, 2016, pitching a scoreless ninth inning against the Washington Nationals, giving up one single and striking out one.[18] Four days later, Gant was sent to the minor leagues, and placed in the Gwinnett Braves starting rotation.[19] In subsequent call-ups to the major leagues, Gant pitched in relief.[20][21] He and Casey Kelly were the two pitchers who spent the most time between the major and minor league levels in the beginning of the season, as the Braves tried balancing the needs of their bullpen against the possibility of overusing pitchers.[22] Gant made his first major league start against the Chicago Cubs on June 12, yielding two earned runs and four hits in 4+1⁄3 innings, while taking the loss.[23] Gant made his second start against the New York Mets on June 18, and earned a win.[24] On June 27, Gant started against the Cleveland Indians. He was taken out of the game after straining his oblique and placed on the disabled list.[25] Gant came off the DL on August 21, and was placed in the bullpen.[26] A week later, he was optioned to Gwinnett to clear a roster spot for Aaron Blair,[27] only to be recalled on August 30.[28] In the majors in 2016, he was 1–4 with a 4.86 ERA,[8] and in the minor leagues with the Rome Braves and Gwinnett Braves he was 3–3 with a 3.97 ERA in 13 games (ten starts).

St. Louis Cardinals

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On December 1, 2016, the Braves traded Gant, Chris Ellis, and Luke Dykstra to the St. Louis Cardinals for Jaime García.[29] He began the season with the Memphis Redbirds.

He was recalled to St. Louis before the game on May 31, after Jonathan Broxton was released.[30] He was called up to St. Louis and reassigned to Memphis multiple times during the year. With St. Louis in 2017, he was 0–1 with a 4.67 ERA in 17.1 innings pitched,[8] and with Memphis he was 6–5 with a 3.83 ERA in 18 starts.

Gant began 2018 with Memphis. He was recalled to St. Louis and optioned back to Memphis twice[31] during the season before securing a spot in St. Louis' starting rotation after an injury to Michael Wacha in mid-June.[32] Gant finished the 2018 season with a 7–6 record and a 3.47 ERA 26 games (19 starts).[33]

Gant moved to St. Louis' bullpen for the 2019 season.[34] During the first half of the season, Gant emerged as a reliable, late inning reliever, finishing the first half with a 2.22 ERA over 44+2⁄3 innings.[35] However, he struggled following the All-Star break, compiling a 6.65 ERA over 21+2⁄3 innings. He finished the 2019 regular season leading all pitchers with 11 relief wins[36] and recorded a 3.66 ERA, striking out sixty over 66+1⁄3 innings. He struggled in the second half of the season,[37] and was subsequently left off of St. Louis' 2019 National League Division Series roster.[38]

In 2020, Gant pitched to a 1.93 ERA and 2.13 FIP[39] before landing on the injured list due to groin tightness on September 25, 2020, where he finished the season.[40] Gant began 2021 as a member of the starting rotation.[41]

Minnesota Twins

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On July 30, 2021, Gant was traded to the Minnesota Twins along with Evan Sisk for J. A. Happ and cash.[42] Gant made 14 appearances for the Twins, going 1–5 with a 5.61 ERA and 36 strikeouts. He was outrighted off of the 40-man roster following the season on November 8, 2021, but refused the outright assignment and elected free agency.[43]

Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters

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On December 10, 2021, Gant signed with the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters of Nippon Professional Baseball.[44] On November 29, 2022, Gant re-signed a one-year contract extension for the 2023 season.[45] Gant dealt with injury, and never made an appearance for the main club during the 2022 or 2023 seasons. In 3 games for the farm team in 2023, his only action for the franchise, Gant logged an 0–2 record and 6.52 ERA with 11 strikeouts in 9+2⁄3 innings pitched. On July 1, 2023, Gant was released by the Fighters.[46]

Pitching style

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Gant's unconventional windup

Gant's pitching motion has repeatedly been characterized as "unique". He takes one step forward with his left foot, planting it on the right side of the mound, then moves backward, only to take the same step again before throwing the baseball. The extra movement, which Gant describes as a "false step", does not occur when he pitches from a set position.[47][48][49]

Gant is also known for his use of the vulcan changeup.[50][51]

References

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  1. ^ "Braves trade Savannah native Gant to Cardinals". Savannah Morning News. December 1, 2016. Retrieved July 22, 2018.
  2. ^ Dominitz, Nathan (April 1, 2014). "Gant the Gnat: Savannah native pitching for hometown team". Savannah Morning News. Retrieved July 22, 2018.
  3. ^ "Meet John Gant". February 17, 2017.
  4. ^ Burns, Bryan (June 7, 2011). "MLB Draft: Wiregrass Ranch's John Michael Gant selected in 21st round by Mets". Tampa Bay Times. Archived from the original on July 1, 2018. Retrieved July 22, 2018.
  5. ^ Burns, Bryan (June 11, 2011). "Wiregrass Ranch P John Michael Gant signs with New York Mets". Tampa Bay Times. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved April 2, 2016.
  6. ^ Sharp, Derrick (July 13, 2016). "Wiregrass Ranch grad John Gant tastes MLB action". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved July 14, 2016.
  7. ^ Melotte, Nick (July 25, 2015). "Atlanta Adds Whalen and Gant for Uribe and Johnson". Minor League Ball.
  8. ^ a b c d e "John Gant Stats, Fantasy & News". MiLB.com.
  9. ^ Lojacono, Kyle (July 6, 2013). "Gant still enjoys game of baseball as a pro". Tampa Tribune. Archived from the original on March 7, 2016. Retrieved March 26, 2016.
  10. ^ Dominitz, Nathan (April 1, 2014). "Gant the Gnat: Savannah native pitching for hometown team". Savannah Morning News. Retrieved March 26, 2016.
  11. ^ Worthy, Lynn (April 8, 2015). "Binghamton Mets a team full of talent". Press & Sun-Bulletin. Retrieved April 2, 2016.
  12. ^ Sherman, Joel (July 24, 2015). "Offense-needy Mets land Juan Uribe, Kelly Johnson from Braves". New York Post. Retrieved July 24, 2015.
  13. ^ Tait, Kyle (August 1, 2015). "Gant Shines in Debut, M-Braves Beat Barons". MILB.com. Retrieved August 14, 2016.
  14. ^ Bowman, Mark (November 19, 2015). "Braves add Smith, Gant to 40-man roster". MLB.com. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved March 26, 2016.
  15. ^ Bowman, Mark (April 1, 2016). "Gant sparks several Braves roster discussions". MLB.com. Archived from the original on April 3, 2016. Retrieved April 1, 2016.
  16. ^ Bowman, Mark (April 4, 2016). "Gant ecstatic to realize dream with Braves". MLB.com. Archived from the original on April 7, 2016. Retrieved April 4, 2016.
  17. ^ Bowman, Mark (April 2, 2016). "Gant to bullpen as Braves set opener roster". MLB.com. Archived from the original on April 5, 2016. Retrieved April 2, 2016.
  18. ^ Odum, Charles (April 6, 2016). "Savannah native Gant makes Braves debut against Nationals". Savannah Morning News. Associated Press. Retrieved April 7, 2016.
  19. ^ Bowman, Mark (April 10, 2016). "Braves summon reliever Withrow from Triple-A". MLB.com. Archived from the original on April 13, 2016. Retrieved April 10, 2016.
  20. ^ Mullen, Maureen (April 27, 2016). "Braves call up Gant, option Weber to Triple-A". MLB.com. Archived from the original on May 1, 2016. Retrieved April 27, 2016.
  21. ^ Bowman, Mark (June 5, 2016). "Braves call up Gant to work out of bullpen". MLB.com. Archived from the original on June 6, 2016. Retrieved June 5, 2016.
  22. ^ Bowman, Mark (June 6, 2016). "Bullpen carousel continues with Kelly's arrival". MLB.com. Archived from the original on June 8, 2016. Retrieved June 7, 2016.
  23. ^ James, Pat (June 12, 2016). "Given chance, Gant proves he can be a starter". MLB.com. Archived from the original on June 14, 2016. Retrieved June 13, 2016.
  24. ^ Bowman, Mark (June 18, 2016). "Gant touch this: Rookie earns first MLB win". MLB.com. Archived from the original on June 19, 2016. Retrieved June 19, 2016.
  25. ^ Bowman, Mark (June 28, 2016). "Gant (oblique) joins cluster of Braves on DL". MLB.com. Archived from the original on June 30, 2016. Retrieved June 29, 2016.
  26. ^ James, Pat (August 21, 2016). "Braves activate Gant to bolster bullpen". MLB.com. Archived from the original on August 22, 2016. Retrieved August 21, 2016.
  27. ^ Bowman, Mark (August 28, 2016). "Folty thrives while keeping emotions in check". MLB.com. Archived from the original on August 29, 2016. Retrieved August 29, 2016.
  28. ^ Bowman, Mark (August 30, 2016). "Reliever Simmons makes it back to Majors". MLB.com. Archived from the original on September 4, 2016. Retrieved August 30, 2016.
  29. ^ Bowman, Mark (December 2, 2016). "Braves trade for Cards lefty Garcia". MLB.com. Archived from the original on December 2, 2016. Retrieved December 10, 2016.
  30. ^ "Cardinals release Broxton, call up John Gant". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. May 31, 2017.
  31. ^ Belleville News-Democrat (subscription required)
  32. ^ Jun 21, FOX Sports Midwest; ET, 2018 at 3:44p (June 21, 2018). "Wacha goes on DL, Gant arrives from Memphis". FOX Sports.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  33. ^ Schaeffer, Brenden. "St. Louis Cardinals 2018 player grades: Starting pitchers". KMOV.com.
  34. ^ "Cardinals announce 25-man Opening Day roster". KMOV.com.
  35. ^ "JOHN GANT, Relief Pitcher". STLtoday.com. July 9, 2019.
  36. ^ "2019 Major League Baseball Relief Pitching". Baseball-Reference.com.
  37. ^ Rogers, Anne (January 10, 2020). "Gant, Cardinals agree on 1-year deal". MLB.com. Retrieved April 9, 2023.
  38. ^ Hochman, Benjamin (October 3, 2019). "Hochman: No Gant, no problem — Ponce de Leon takes ineffective pitcher's spot on Cards' roster". STLtoday.com.
  39. ^ Gordon, Jake (February 23, 2021). "Braves: It would be nice to have John Gant back right about now". SportsTalkATL.com.
  40. ^ "Cardinals' John Gant: Placed on injured list". CBSSports.com. September 26, 2020.
  41. ^ Goold, Derrick (March 21, 2021). "From 'country boy slinging' to MVP-vexing, Gant closes in on starter's role for Cardinals". STLtoday.com.
  42. ^ Silver, Zachary (July 30, 2021). "Cards add veteran arms Lester, Happ". MLB.com.
  43. ^ "John Gant: Exploring free agency". November 8, 2021.
  44. ^ "新庄ビッグボス「いいね！押しちゃいそうになった」前ツインズのガント獲得". nikkansports.com. 日刊スポーツNEWS. December 9, 2021. Retrieved December 9, 2021.
  45. ^ "【日本ハム】ガントと5000万円＋出来高で契約延長「違った自分お見せできる」登板ゼロから飛躍へ - プロ野球 : 日刊スポーツ". nikkansports.com (in Japanese). Retrieved November 30, 2022.
  46. ^ "Nippon Ham Gantt & Menez's departure announcement Gantt 1st army no pitching, Menez has 1 win and 2 losses in total". yahoo.co.jp. Archived from the original on July 5, 2023. Retrieved July 4, 2023.
  47. ^ Bowman, Mark (March 25, 2016). "Gant becoming potential rotation candidate". Archived from the original on March 28, 2016. Retrieved March 26, 2016.
  48. ^ O'Brien, David (March 25, 2016). "Gant getting consideration as Braves starting-rotation option". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved March 26, 2016.
  49. ^ O'Brien, David (March 19, 2016). "Braves pitcher Gant has funky motion, good results". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved March 26, 2016.
  50. ^ Bowman, Mark (December 9, 2016). "Starting-pitching surplus helps Atlanta upgrade". MLB.com. Archived from the original on December 10, 2016. Retrieved December 10, 2016.
  51. ^ Sharp, Darek (July 13, 2016). "Wiregrass Ranch grad John Gant tastes MLB action". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved July 22, 2018.
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