Enrique had a $12.5 million player option for the 2039 season which had another $12.5 million team option for 2040. Rather than cash out that option for '39, Gomez and his agent opted to decline the option. The ensuing twitter comments were split over the decision.
How could a player who sucked so bad turn down a guaranteed $12.5 million per season? #WhatABum - Wolves_fan99
Good for him! This franchise is turning into a joke. #KilkennyAward #YouDeserveBetter - MadisonWolves4Life
The controversial decision among the "fans" reportedly embarrassed the future BBA Hall of Fame Pitcher. So much so that moments after the decision to decline the option, the 38 year old pitcher instead opted to retire from baseball all together.Thank Goodness. Now Madison can sign someone that can have an ERA under 6 and not lose 14 games this season. #GoodRiddance - NotTheFakeButRealMadisonGM
With 242 career wins and an 88.7 WAR, Enrique Gomez is a lock first ballot hall of famer. He decline immediate comment over his retirement, only stating that it wasn't the time, and definitely not the place, to make any official statements on the matter. Rumors are Gomez is awaiting an invitation to either return to Rockville or Omaha, where he won 2 Landis titles and won several Nebraska Award honors during his BBA tenure.
Everyone from within the Wolves organization declined comment on the matter. Only team owner Mick Shrimpton, Jr. commented "We wish the best of luck to Gomez in retirement. He was an outstanding pitcher in the BBA and the league will not be the same without him."
The retirement of Gomez does free up over $12 million in salary cap space for next season. The Wolves will need to use all the available money they have to try and find something and someones that resemble pitchers for 2039.