Bringing back Carlos Gomez makes a ton of sense for the Twins
Let's step away from the starting pitching discussion for a moment to focus on another area of need the Twins hope to fill before spring training starts next week.
I'm talking about designated hitter, where Robbie Grossman and Kennys Vargas handled most of the at-bats last season – and they didn't exactly wow the world.
- Grossman: .246 AVG, .361 OBP, .380 SLG, 9 HR, 45 RBI
- Vargas: .253 AVG, .314 OBP, .444 SLG, 11 HR, 41 RBI
Ideally, Vargas will figure it out and become a mini David Ortiz, but the odds of that happening appear pretty low at this stage of his career.
Enter Carlos Gomez, the 32-year-old former Twin who plays with a flair unlike most.
Gomez could be the perfect right-handed DH with power somewhere in the Twins' batting order. He hit .255 with 17 homers, 23 doubles, 13 stolen bases and 51 RBI in 105 games with the Rangers last season.
Gomez was traded from Houston to Texas in 2016. In a combined 138 games with the Rangers, his numbers are striking: .262 AVG, .827 OPS, 25 homers, 29 doubles, 18 stolen bases, 75 RBI and 69 runs.
Sports Illustrated made an excellent point in saying Gomez as a DH makes perfect sense because it would limit the wear-and-tear on his body as an everyday outfielder.
In Minnesota, Gomez could be the regular DH with the ability to step into any of the outfield positions should Byron Buxton, Eddie Rosario or Max Kepler need a break.
Gomez played two seasons in Minnesota as a 22- and- 23-year-old youngster. He still strikes out a ton, but imagine how much he could add, not only as a solid bat in the lineup, but also as a fan favorite.
Plus, he's not afraid to pick a fight.
