The San Francisco Giants need at least one new outfielder. Free agency offers them two nice fits with Carlos Gomez and Carlos Gonzalez both available.
An outfielder with some pop is something the San Francisco Giants could really use next season. Thankfully, the added “CarGo” is literally available in free agency with two good options.
Outfielders Carlos Gomez and Carlos Gonzalez are both available. Each would give the Giants an offensive upgrade they so desperately need. Last season’s squad put together a miserable campaign at the plate practically void of regular home runs.
While Gomez and Gonzalez aren’t going to replace Giancarlo Stanton in the National League, each can hit the ball a lot further on a regular basis than other Giants players from the 2017 roster.
Signing Gomez would fill center field with a declining veteran coming off a semi-rebound campaign with the Texas Rangers. Gomez hit a bit of a rough patch in 2015 after a trade to the Houston Astros.
He remained with the 2017 champions through July of 2016 before they ultimately released him. Gomez quickly signed with the Rangers where he managed to play much better.
Like many veteran free agents, Gomez’s peak is clearly over with. In 2013-2014, we saw Gomez become an amazing all-around player for the Milwaukee Brewers. Gomez brought a little bit of everything to the field for those two seasons and even received MVP consideration in each.
Speaking of honors, the other CarGo has many. His success spanned a long period and included a batting title in 2010 and third place MVP finish. Injuries did curtail his career with the Colorado Rockies but still allowed him to showcase his many talents.
Recently, Gonzalez smacked 40 home runs in 2015. The following season, the four-base hit total dropped down to 25.
However, the 42 doubles he managed to accumulate set a new career-high and helped earn him his third All-Star appearance. Unfortunately, he wasn’t nearly as productive in 2017 with only 14 home runs and poorer overall numbers almost universally.
Shortcomings aside, the San Francisco Giants would benefit from adding one of these outfielders. It all depends on what their other plans are.
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Gomez may make more sense as a cheaper alternative to Lorenzo Cain. Cain doesn’t have the same track-record of hitting home runs as Gomez even if he is the superior player.
Gomez shouldn’t break the bank for any team, especially with guys like Billy Hamilton, Juan Lagares, on the trade block. I also like Gomez on the Giants because they have more internal options for the corner outfield spots.
The plus side of signing Gonzalez is the home run power he provides. The Giants’ greatest need is power and a rebound campaign from Gonzalez solves this.
Although it’s far tougher to hit home runs in San Francisco than it is in Colorado, Gonzalez should still round the bases plenty in a Giants’ uniform.
Given these two choices, the Giants may have to simply go the frugal route and select whichever player is willing to accept less money.
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Neither truly stands out to me as a better choice. Considering their farm system is incredibly dry, spending money on aging veterans is just about all they can do to better their ball club.