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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
Oct 1, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Fans celebrate a victory after the New York Mets clinched a wild-card playoff berth after a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. The Mets won 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

5. New York Mets

The New York Mets make this list as one of the teams that will look at Carlos Gomez as a backup plan. If they end up losing the Yoenis Cespedes sweepstakes this winter, they’ll be desperate for a right-handed bat in their outfield.

Currently, their outfield is made up of Curtis Granderson, Michael Conforto, Jay Bruce and Juan Lagares. The first three mentioned are all left-handed hitters. And unfortunately for the Mets, Lagares’ right-handed swing won’t quite cut it. Enter Gomez.

Lagares was once a prized defensive outfielder for the Mets and figured to be in their future plans. But ever since sustaining a thumb injury that required surgery, his offense has been questionable. He wasn’t a great bat prior to his injury, but there’s even more cause for concern now. Furthermore, the Mets can’t really afford to have a pure defender in their batting order considering the holes throughout their lineup.

In 79 games, Lagares batted .239/.301/.380 with three home runs and nine RBIs. However, he provided the Mets with a plus defender in the outfield as he was worth +8 DRS and 5.2 UZR. His offensive production lacked but his defense is above average and enough to keep him on a big league team. He’s a near-perfect candidate for a fourth outfielder type of role.

Granderson wasn’t much better but did show some pop in his 13th season. The 35-year-old batted .237.335/.464 with 30 home runs and 59 RBIs. He manned center field while the Mets attempted to keep their best bats on the field during their playoff push. He managed to post a +1 DRS and a 0.3 UZR while playing center.

Jay Bruce somehow managed to have his option picked up and will be a part of the Mets going into the 2017 season. He very well could be dealt considering the Mets have Conforto and Brandon Nimmo approaching full-time play but New York would be selling low since Bruce did so poorly in the Big Apple.

While playing in RF for the Mets, Bruce posted a +2 DRS and a 4.0 UZR. However, if we take into account his partial season with the Reds as well, his 2016 totals were a -11 DRS and a -8.9 UZR. While with the Mets he also lost his swing and batted a mere .219/.294/.391 with eight home runs and 19 RBIs through 50 games.

The Mets are surely hoping that Bruce finds his bat from Cincinnati again and brings it with him to New York this coming season. Their plan seems to be to go all in for Cespedes, but if that doesn’t work out, Gomez should be on their radar.

Gomez would give this team a much needed defensive improvement while also giving them a much needed right handed swing. He won’t bring the power that Cespedes has, but Bruce was their insurance if he decided to leave. Gomez would then make sense as Bruce, Granderson and Conforto can man the corners while Lagares gives them a defensive option off the bench.

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