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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
Apr 13, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Cardinals mascot Fredbird before the game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Milwaukee Brewers at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

1. St. Louis Cardinals

The St. Louis Cardinals and general manager John Mozeliak want to add an outfield bat this winter and are looking for one with an above average glove. Mozeliak has stated the priority is a center fielder, as Randal Grichuk, who had been playing center, will be moved to left field.

Gomez is also seeking a multi-year contract, which works in the Cardinals’ favor. They are currently the fifth youngest team in baseball and have an outfield prospect in the minors in Harrison Bader.

Giving a multi-year contract to someone like Gomez would provide the Cardinals and Bader with time to find out what the future outfield holds. And despite being in the league for 10 years so far, Gomez is only 30.

Between Gomez’s speed and his bat, the Cardinals could see a different, dynamic lineup. Matt Carpenter could be moved off of the leadoff spot and be in a position to increase production. If Gomez’s production for the Rangers is any sign of what’s to come, then his ability to get on base and steal would be a welcome sight at the top of the order.

Grichuk wasn’t a terrible defender in CF but, looking towards the future of the organization and at defensive projections, he would be better in LF. His power and potential are keeping him in the lineup, while the departure of Matt Holliday and Brandon Moss gives him an opportunity in the left corner.

In 2016, Grichuk posted a +7 DRS in CF but only managed a -0.9 UZR. He was positioned a bit differently this season which seemed to have hurt his UZR and route running, but he was serviceable and made quite a few diving plays. However, he does project better in left which creates a great opportunity for Gomez to fit in.

Stephen Piscotty surely won’t be moved off of RF considering the young outfielder did extremely well in his first full season. He saved four runs and posted a 2.3 UZR. He also was an extremely consistent batter with a .273/.343/.457 slash line with 22 homers with 85 RBIs. With the numerous injuries the Cardinals suffered, Piscotty ended up being the cleanup hitter at the end of the year and seemed to be a perfect fit.

The Cardinals want to improve their defense and deepen the batting order. The best way to do that via free agency is to acquire Gomez. He’s a defensive upgrade in CF while also being a potential All-Star batter. Add to that his ability to run the base paths, a huge weakness for the Cardinals, and he looks like the perfect option.

Next: 5 potential teams for Jason Hammel

The question for the Cardinals and Gomez is how he would fit in offensively. Sure, Mozeliak wants a strong defender and Gomez is one, but they did lose quite a bit of production as Holliday and Moss were shown the door. Is Gomez the answer there, or will he just give the Cardinals the opportunity to put Aledmys Diaz, Matt Carpenter, Stephen Piscotty and Randal Grichuk in a position to produce?

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