In an ongoing series, we'll take a look at possible trade targets for the Texas Rangers this summer with the MLB trade deadline approaching on Friday.
Target: Carlos Gomez, OF
2015 stats: .266 batting average, .334 on-base percentage, .431 slugging percentage, 19 doubles, 8 home runs, 42 RBIs, 7-for-12 stolen bases
The two-time all-star center fielder for the Brewers is having a down year, but some of that could be as a result of him playing for one of the worst teams in baseball all season long. It's not excusable, but it's at least understandable. Gomez has shown to be an electric player for a few years now with the Brewers and hit more than 20 home runs and stole at least 30 bases in each of the last two years.
As a right-handed bat, he'd help alleviate the heavy left-handed presence in the Rangers' lineup and he isn't a free agent until after the 2016 season. With Yu Darvish expected back in 2016, along with a full season of Derek Holland and possibly Cole Hamels, the Rangers appear to be building for 2016 even though they're a long shot to play in October this year.
He'd be owed the remainder of his $8 million this year and then another $9 million next year — a pretty affordable rate for a player easily capable of 20 homers and 30 stolen bases. He'd also give the Rangers a permanent fixture in center field with the season-long scuffling of Leonys Martin and allow Delino DeShields to play in left field, where he is probably better suited.
Currently, Gomez is being linked to several contenders and non-contenders, alike, because of his cheap salary next season, as well.
