Outfielder Jonny Gomes says he intends to make a comeback, ESPN.com’s Jerry Crasnick reports on Twitter. The lefty masher, who is now 36, last played in the majors in 2015 and appeared briefly in 2016 in Japan.
Gomes was a productive part-timer as recently as 2013, when he played a big role for the Red Sox in a World Series-winning season. He took 366 plate appearances on the year, swatting 13 home runs and posting a .247/.344/.426 batting line — right at his career average (.242/.333/.436).
But Gomes struggled over the ensuing two seasons. He bounced from the Sox to the A’s in 2014, then joined the Braves as a free agent before being shipped to the eventual-champion Royals for a dozen-game stint. (Though he did not appear in the postseason for Kansas City, Gomes did play a notable role in the excellent victory parade.) He needed 583 trips to the plate to match that 13-homer output, slashing just .225/.321/.337 over that two-year span.
Despite the difficulties, Gomes was still useful when facing lefties in his most recent pair of MLB seasons. Indeed, his chief appeal lies in his work against opposing southpaws — who he has tuned up historically (.855 career OPS) — along with his hard-nosed style of play and noted clubhouse presence.
While he had hoped to return to the big leagues after wrapping up his disappointing stint with the NPB’s Rakuten Golden Eagles, Gomes wasn’t able to secure an opportunity. While he surely could have landed a minor-league deal, and acknowledged that would likely have been necessary, he suggested that he was interested only in signing directly onto a MLB roster at the time.
It’s all the more clear now that Gomes will need to earn his way back to the majors in spring camp — or, perhaps, through a stint in the minors to open the 2017 season — as his age, layoff, and recent track record make a guaranteed deal seem implausible. Given the respect he commands around the game, though, Gomes figures to find a chance with an organization.
He would crush on a softball league!
Eric Byrnes should hit him up!
Why?????
Gomes may still believe he can play, or perhaps he’s using ST 2017 to endear himself to an organization that might consider keeping him in the game in an off-the-field capacity if he doesn’t make it back onto an MLB roster.
Dolla dolla bills
Because he still wants to play?
Isn’t this the guy who had a heart attack? And didn’t his life be decided by the flip of a coin?
Yes
Wait what’s this story cause I don’t know.
If you mean the story about Gomes near-death (2 times actually) it was addressed in and ESPN series E:60. It can be found on YouTube. Worth the watch.
They meant that he once mashed lefties.
Love to see him in the red Sox organization as a motivational speaker. if anyone could do it, this guy is the man. Tampa same deal, don’t know if rays would fork over cash required for a name to get someone to do that, Boston does with several ex players who roam the various levels and this guy think would be another great addition.
You’re kidding right? The guy’s a dillusional moron.
He can be a leader. not to mention? Some of the supposed heroes in other sports to youngsters are nothing more than crack heads, caught with guns, women beaters..
Gomes a moron? Don’t think so compared to what some youngsters look up to nowadays.
do you know any young people or just chase them off your lawn?
Probably the worst possible offseason for him to attempt a comeback. There are so many guys with his skill set on the FA market.
He’s worth an NRI for any of the 30 teams. With a late-March opt-out.
Hmmm… Me thinks Mr. Gomes has picked a bad year for a comeback. There seems to already be a plethora of right handed DH types who are lying in FA limbo, who no one wants to sign (who are better than he is). Get to the back of the line.
He seems like a good fit for the Cubs
Eww, no, please dear God, no.
who cares about lil jonny gomes? bfd !
A fourth outfielder for the angels
I was thinking the same thing. He could play RF against lefties. Think he’d fit in with the guys? Seems like it must be Albert’s team still, but I always heard that Gomes was a great guy to have in the clubhouse.
I’m still creeped out by his speech after the Royals WS when he wasn’t on the roster. Seemed like he’s slowly making the transition to pro wrestling.
Not specific to Gomes, but it seems like the talent pool has expanded to where legit MLB players will not have roster spots come April.
Might be time for MLB to go to 32 teams.
Those two teams would be filled with “legit MLB players” who are are all power-only corner-outfielders or 1B/DH bats, platoon players, and fringe veterans looking to catch on as bench depth, God know who would pitch. Cole Hammels, Doug Fister, Nate Eovaldi, and a Jorge/Rhubby Dynamic De La Rosa duo?
Ok, I’m on board as long as we get Jorge and Rubby on the same team.
Am I the only one that noticed that the writer said “the lefty masher”….Jonny Gomes is so very RIGHT handed.
He mashes lefty pitching is what that phrase refers to
Yes, you were the only one who noticed, and the only one who read it wrong.
MVP
Perfect, the Os have been trying to find the 2017 homerun leader as cheap as possible.
Screams “minor league signing by the Giants.”
Was thinking the same thing lol. He’s from the Bay too.
Jonny is not only a well below average MLB player, but entirely obnoxious.
Hopefully they get his name right it’s just Gomez with an s. Then again the Mets have a pitcher that spells his name with a j and somehow his name is Henry.
The Dodgers were terrible last year vs. Lefties–one reason why they want Dozier. Offer him a minor league contract and invite to spring training.