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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
Aug 27, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas mascot “Rangers Captain” waves the flag following their 7-0 victory over the Cleveland Indians at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Texas Rangers

The Texas Rangers would be wise to retain Carlos Gomez for a few more years. They could lose two of their outfielders in Gomez and Ian Desmond, both of whom played center field and left field throughout the season and in the playoffs.

While the Rangers do have young players like Nomar Mazara and Delino DeShields Jr. to play in the outfield, Gomez would provide them with a solid defensive player with a lot of offensive upside. As stated previously, Gomez saw a very high increase in production once making the move from the Astros to the Rangers. If he and the Rangers coaching staff can continue whatever they were doing to maintain Gomez’s production level, he could very well return to his All-Star self.

Furthermore, the Texas outfield of Mazara, DeShields Jr. and Shin-Soo Choo cannot be fully trusted. Outside of Choo’s constant nagging injuries and Mazara and DeShields’ inexperience, they all lacked the defensive abilities that Gomez had. And they also failed to be productive offensively to a degree.

Mazara had the best season of the three. As a rookie, he slashed .266/.320/.419 in 145 games with 20 home runs and 64 RBIs. However, his outfield defense lacked. In total, he was worth a -5 DRS but managed a 5.9 UZR.

The DRS is concerning but with the above average UZR, there’s reason to believe he can improve. Also, if Gomez and his speed are patrolling center, this should take some of the burden off of Mazara and therefore increase the defense overall.

Delino DeShields didn’t see the same success. He batted .209/.275/.313 in 74 games after being the Rangers lead-off batter in the 2015 playoffs. He only managed four home runs and 13 RBIs. However, like Mazara, DeShields posted a negative DRS (-1) and a positive UZR (4.0). And like Mazara, DeShields could benefit from having Gomez around to either provide him with relief or give the Rangers the option to move DeShields to a corner.

Shin-Soo Choo had virtually no success in the 2016 season. He only played 48 games and batted .242/.357/.399 with 7 home runs and 17 RBI. Based off that alone, if Choo could manage to play a full season, his offensive production would be welcomed. However, he’s a very poor defender in RF and could use Gomez’s outstanding defense to his right. Choo posted a -4 DRS and a -2.2 UZR while playing RF in 2016.

Given the current state of their outfield and their familiarity with Gomez, it would be an incredibly smart decision to try and keep the 30-year-old center fielder. He can provide them with consistent defense and the potential to be a top of the order bat. Meanwhile, the young players like Mazara and DeShields could continue to grow and develop while not costing the Rangers games.

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