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MLB Free Agency 2017: 5 potential teams for Carlos Gomez

By Brendan Dlubala

Sep 28, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers left fielder Carlos Gomez (14) is doused by second baseman Rougned Odor (12) and shortstop Hanser Alberto (2) following the 8-5 win over the Milwaukee Brewers during a baseball game at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 28, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers left fielder Carlos Gomez (14) is doused by second baseman Rougned Odor (12) and shortstop Hanser Alberto (2) following the 8-5 win over the Milwaukee Brewers during a baseball game at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports /
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Carlos Gomez is on a short list of quality outfield free agents that will be pursued by a number teams this winter. This is Gomez’s first real free agent opportunity and he could be the best bargain of 2017.

Carlos Gomez is joined by Dexter Fowler, Yoenis Cespedes and Ian Desmond as the top outfield free agents this MLB offseason. Gomez, however, stands out because he has the most potential to break out in 2017 and could come at a relatively low price.

Gomez had a very interesting 2016 season, splitting time between the Houston Astros and the Texas Rangers. For the Astros, Gomez was so poor at the plate and in the field he was released from the team after playing only 85 games. The Rangers went on to sign him and he saved his season and his value.

In 85 games with Houston in 2016, Gomez batted .210/.272/.322 with nine home runs and 29 RBIs. But through 33 games with the Rangers, he slashed .284/.362/.543 with eight home runs and 24 RBIs. Gomez’s agent, Scott Boras, credits his rebound to the Rangers helping Gomez improve his vision. If his eyes were the problem and are now fixed, Gomez could return to his All-Star-caliber self.

With Gomez’s 2016 inconsistencies, it’s likely he won’ be able to bargain for a high salary similar to what Fowler, Desmond or Cespedes will receive. However, teams shouldn’t shy away from Gomez. If his time in a Rangers uniform proved anything, it’s that he still has the ability to be a strong contributor at the MLB level.

Gomez also gives teams a different look on the base paths. He’s stolen 30 bases or more four times in his 10-year career and has never stolen less than 12. The 30-year-old center fielder’s speed was utilized heavily when he played for Milwaukee, but since then teams haven’t let him loose. While with the Brewers, Gomez recorded three straight seasons of 34 stolen bases or more. Since leaving them mid-way through 2015, however, he’s only recorded 21 stolen bases.

Gomez also gives teams an above average defender in center field, but his 2016 season was a poor showing. While with the Astros he had a -6 DRS and a -0.5 UZR. However, with the Rangers, he again showed life and recorded a 1.0 UZR along with two defensive runs saved.

His 2016 defensive metrics were the worst of his career. Going off his career averages, Gomez has a 14.0 UZR CF average and is a DRS machine. He has a plus arm and incredible speed, which makes him an ideal candidate for any team in need of defense.

The following five teams are all in need of an outfielder. Some of these teams would benefit more from Gomez, while others will look to him as a backup plan if Fowler and Cespedes fall off the table or become too expensive.

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