Gott was the first pick in the Rule 5 draft by the Toronto Blue Jays in December 1981. In his minor league career, he was 28-42 with one save and a 4.71 ERA, in 626.2 innings over 131 games (104 of which were starts).[4]
The Pittsburgh Pirates claimed Gott off of waivers in 1987.[3] In 1988, Gott broke Kent Tekulve's franchise single-season save record of 32 saves, ending the season with 34 saves (2nd in the NL).[9][10] He was also 7th in the National League in games played (67).[6] He had elbow surgery in May 1989, and missed most of the 1989 season.[3]
The Los Angeles Dodgers signed Gott as a free agent after the 1989 season for $300,000 ($737,000 in current dollar terms).[11] Gott was a setup pitcher and closer for the Los Angeles Dodgers from 1990 to 1994. In 1993, he was 9th in the National League in saves (25).[6]
In his 14-year major league career, Gott was 56-74 with 91 saves and a 3.87 ERA in 1,120 innings over 554 games (96 of which were starts).[6]
Radio hosting career
After retiring as an active player, Gott co-hosted Dodger Talk, a pre- and post-game radio show for the Dodgers for three years.[1]
On November 17, 2017, the Philadelphia Phillies named Gott their bullpen coach for the 2018 season.[13] He remained with the club through the 2020 season, after which time his contract was not renewed.[14]
Gott was named pitching coach for the AZL Athletics for the 2024 season.[15]
Personal life
Gott's brother, Erich, attended BYU on a scholarship for golf.[2] He resides in San Marino, California. He has six children, two of whom are autistic.[16]