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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 2, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard (6) is honored during a pregame ceremony before action against the New York Mets at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Philadelphia Phillies

The Philadelphia Phillies are going to have a very interesting 2017 season considering all the young talent they have. However, they’re in an ultra-competitive division with the Nationals, Mets and Marlins, while the Braves continue to bide their time with their prospects. But with a few additions, this Phillies team could be ready to compete in 2017.

Carlos Gomez doesn’t quite fill a void for the Phillies, but he could be a creative addition to the team that would make them better. They already have an outstanding center fielder in Odubel Herrera but don’t quite have their corner outfield positions figured out.

In 2016, Herrera solidified his status as a top National League center fielder after a strong major league debut in 2015. In his second season of work he slashed .286/.361/.420 with 15 home runs and 49 RBIs while leading off. He also patrolled center field with the best of them, securing +6 DRS and a 3.9 UZR.

For this reason, Gomez may not be needed. However, Gomez did play in LF quite a bit for the Rangers (28 games). While doing so, he was worth a -1 DRS and a positive 1.3 UZR. With more work and innings, he would likely have been graded as an above average left fielder.

But the Phillies have an up-and-coming left fielder in Roman Quinn who debuted in 2016. He played 15 games and batted .263/.373/.333 with six RBIs. Quinn also grades as an average outfielder and had a combined DRS of one and a combined UZR of +0.3. He, or Gomez, could slot in at right field while the other plays LF and Herrera continues to dominate CF.

The hole for the Phillies is in RF and they don’t quite have an in-house solution. In 2016, they mainly relied on Peter Bourjos, who’s now a free agent. In 123 games he managed to hit for a .251/.292/.389 slash line. Out of the 123 games he played, he patrolled right field in 115 of them. Out there he posted a 0 DRS and a 1.1 UZR.

Gomez could be a creative solution to the Phillies outfield problems. They don’t necessarily need him in CF but with the inexperience of Roman Quinn and the gaping hole in RF, they need to acquire someone. Gomez could slide in at LF or RF and likely be an above average defender. Or he could force Herrera out of center and put his arm to use out there.

Either way, the Phillies need someone in RF and with the bidding wars on Fowler, Cespedes and Desmond going on, Gomez could be a relatively cheap option while Philly puts the bulk of its money to use on someone else.

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