Despite stumbling through an unimpressive season split between the Boston Red Sox and Oakland Athletics, veteran outfielder Jonny Gomes is generating plenty of interest as a free agent this offseason.
The Chicago Cubs are among five teams showing legitimate interest in the 33-year-old who won a World Series championship with the Red Sox in 2013, according to Rob Bradford of WEEI.com
Gomes, however, endured a miserable season in 2014, hitting just .234/.327/.330 (87 OPS+) with six home runs and a career-low .095 isolated power over 112 games while proving to be a defensive liability in the outfield. The 12-year veteran also struggled mightily against right-handed pitching, and may be viewed only as a platoon player by prospective suitors.
Split (2014) | PA | OPS | BA | OBP | SLG |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
vs RHP | 117 | 0.510 | 0.165 | 0.248 | 0.262 |
vs LHP | 204 | 0.743 | 0.276 | 0.373 | 0.371 |
Both Jorge Soler and Arismendy Alcantara are expected to assume everyday jobs in the Cubs' outfield next season, but the club could look to install Gomes as a right-handed complement to Chris Coghlan in left field.