News: Jonny Gomes is a Free Agent
The Reds non-tendered Jonny Gomes, meaning he is now a free agent.
Gomes will be eligible for arbitration the next two seasons, after which he can be a free agent.
Bart Hubbuch of the New York Post believes the Mets might look to Gomes, other non-tendered free agents and players available in trade, in the event Jason Bay signs elsewhere.
…it’s a logical assumption… gomes will be 29 years old all of next season, he has consistently hit one home run every five or so games throughout his career… but, he’s never played a full season as a starting outfielder, either because he’s been hurt, or because he’s never been given the opportunity, usually left to platoon, because he struggles against right-handed pitching… however, last season, he played more or less every day for the Reds beginning in June, and ended up hitting .267 with 20 HR and 51 RBI in 98 games… he’s a strong kid, very, very similar to Jeff Francoeur at the plate, for better or worse… he’s also not the best fielder in the world, and could struggle in Citi Field…
…also, he’d be a character in New York… according to friends who root for the Rays, he’s a bit of a tough guy, lots of attitude, and Mets fans would love him if he gets the job done, because he plays hard and he’s intense… however, if he struggles, it could easily work against him…
The 2010 Bill James Handbook projects Gomes will hit .245 with 16 HR, 50 RBI and 17 doubles in 278 at bats next season.
…gomes will likely end up signing a one-year deal, at no more than $1 million, while bay is going to be paid more than $15 million per season, and will require at least four, maybe five years…
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