MLB Free Agency 2017: 5 potential teams for Carlos Gomez

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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Oct 11, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Washington Nationals center fielder Trea Turner (7) celebrates with teammates in the dugout after scoring a run in the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during game four of the 2016 NLDS playoff baseball series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Washington Nationals

The Washington Nationals could make a very smart move for 2017 and their foreseeable future by signing someone like Carlos Gomez. Many Nationals fans probably believe it would be dumb to sign a center fielder as they currently have the speedy Trea Turner manning center, but what if he was to return back to his natural position at SS?

This would make sense for a number of reasons. Immediately, this gives the Nationals depth off the bench without sacrificing any major production. Turner would move back to SS, his natural position, and Gomez would play center field in between Jayson Werth and Bryce Harper. Danny Espinosa, the powerful but inconsistent infielder, would be available off the bench or as a utility man.

Furthermore, the 37-year-old Werth only has one year remaining on his contract. Signing Gomez would lock in an outfielder for a number of years while the Nationals continue to to find a way to keep Bryce Harper in Washington once he becomes a free agent (2019).

Signing Gomez would also change the way this team looks offensively. Turner and Gomez could provide a speedy one-two punch at the top of the order. They would be able to set the table for Harper, Werth, Daniel Muprhy, Anthony Rendon and Ryan Zimmerman. This would allow the Nationals to provide Harper with more lineup protection and hopefully help him return to the MVP type slugger he was in 2015.

Again, Gomez would also be a benefit to the Nationals defensively. They relied on Turner for 45 games in CF in 2016 and he posted a -2 DRS and a -4.8 UZR. Moving him back to SS would drastically change the Nationals defensive production through the middle of the field.

They also relied on Ben Revere in CF for 74 games. He was better than Turner and was worth +3 DRS and a -0.5 UZR, but again, Gomez is a significant upgrade defensively.

Ideally, the Nationals would sign Yoenis Cespedes, who could replace Werth in a corner following the 2017 season. However, if they fail to sign their rival’s prized outfielder, Gomez would make a lot of sense for them.

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