With Carlos Gomez set to hit free agency in 2016, the Houston Astros may consider trading the outfielder this winter.
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Cubs, Other Clubs Interested in Gomez
Wednesday, Dec. 9
According to Evan Drellich of the Houston Chronicle, the Astros are “getting inquiries on their outfielders,” namely George Springer and Carlos Gomez.
Drellich added, “The Cubs do have interest in Gomez, but the Astros are reticent to make a move and have a high price not only because Gomez could be a high impact player, but because the Astros have an outfield that has a history of injuries with Springer and Colby Rasmus.”
Gomez, 30, hit .255 with 12 home runs, 56 RBI, 61 runs scored and 17 stolen bases with the Milwaukee Brewers and the Astros last season. After hitting at least 20 home runs and 70 RBI in his previous two seasons, Gomez’s numbers dipped somewhat in 2015, largely due to the outfielder missing 47 games.
He played well for the Astros in the postseason, however, hitting .267 with two homers and three RBI in six games.
Trading Gomez would suggest the Astros believe they have the young players in place to replicate his production, a risky move considering the team has the talent in place to return to the postseason, led by shortstop Carlos Correa. It would also weaken the squad’s depth, as Drelich noted.
On the other hand, the young Astros seem unlikely to re-sign a 31-year-old Gomez next offseason, given the young talent the organization has coming up through the farm system. Getting something for Gomez now would make sense from that perspective. The team made a similar move with Dexter Fowler last year before his impending free agency this winter, so the precedent for trading Gomez is certainly in place.
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