Braves sign Jonny Gomes to 1-year deal
The Atlanta Braves signed free-agent outfielder Jonny Gomes to a one-year contract, the team announced Thursday.
Jerry Crasnick of ESPN reports the deal is worth $4 million with a vesting option for 2016.
Gomes split the 2014 season between the Boston Red Sox and Oakland Athletics, where he saw a slight dip in his numbers from the year before. The 12-year veteran hit .234/.327/.330 with six home runs and 37 RBIs.
The Braves have boosted their outfield talent with the acquisition of Nick Markakis from the Baltimore Orioles, while handing over full-time center field duties to B.J. Upton. It's expected Gomes will split time in left field with the switch-hitting Zoilo Almonte.
With the departure of power hitter Evan Gattis, Gomes is expected to produce some pop of his own, as he batted .276/.373/.371 against left-handers in 2014.
It doesn't get much better from there, though, as he hit an abysmal .165/.248/.262 versus righties.