texas

Rangers Take a Chance With Former All-Star Gomez

The Rangers apparently felt like it was worth a gamble.

Looking to possibly add another bat and shore up the outfield rotation, Texas is giving former All-Star outfielder Carlos Gomez a shot, signing him to a minor league contract. Gomez is expected to join Triple-A Round Rock on Sunday.

The 30-year old Gomez could never get on track this season with the Astros, hitting .210 with five home runs and 29 RBIs, well below what was expected of him. Another serious issue was the 100 strikeouts in 295 at-bats. The lack of consistency and production led the Astros to release Gomez after acquiring him in a trade deadline deal last season.

Gomez was an All-Star with Milwaukee in 2013 and 2014. He hit .284 with 24 home runs and 73 RBI during the 2013 season; then followed that with 23 home runs and 73 RBI in 2014. He also won a Gold Glove in 2013 playing center field for the Brewers.

With Shin-Soo Choo done for the season after undergoing surgery due to a forearm injury, the Rangers felt it was worth rolling the dice on Gomez. Right now, the current bench options include Drew Stubbs, Delino DeShields and Ryan Rua. Gomez gives the team the potential for more power and better defense if he’s able to get back on track.

It’s a move that won’t cost the Rangers much financially. The Astros are still on the hook for the remainder of his $9-million salary this season. 

If Gomez finds his swing down in Round Rock, he could make a major impact for the remainder of the regular season and into the postseason.

Contact Us