Washington Nationals have continuity with Yan Gomes
By David Hill
On Wednesday, the Washington Nationals brought Yan Gomes back into the fold, signing him to a two year deal.
Heading into the 2018-19 offseason, the Washington Nationals made it a point to address their issues behind the plate. They had signed Kurt Suzuki to a two year contract on November 20, and ten days later, acquired Yan Gomes in a trade with the Indians. Washington had to hope that the duo would represent an upgrade in every facet of the game.
While the 2018 All Star did not replicate his success with the bat in 2019, he was still a key part of the Nationals run to their first World Series. As such, they have brought the free agent catcher back, signing Gomes to a two year deal worth $10 million.
Catcher Yan Gomes and the Washington Nationals are in agreement on a two-year, $10 million deal that will return the veteran to the reigning champions, sources tell ESPN. Gomes caught the final out of the World Series and will rejoin Kurt Suzuki as the Nationals’ catching tandem.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) November 28, 2019
Gomes did not exactly excel with the bat last season, as a slow start to the year destroyed his overall numbers. In his 358 plate appearances, Gomes produced a .223/.316/.389 batting line, hitting 12 homers and 16 doubles.
More from Call to the Pen
- Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
- Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
- Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
- Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
- 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals
However, he was more valuable behind the plate. Gomes threw out 31% of would be base stealers last season, while saving the Nationals five runs. After their struggles to find a competent backstop following the departure of Wilson Ramos, the tandem of Gomes and Suzuki was all that Washington could have hoped for.
Gomes was not just solid defensively. He established a rapport with Patrick Corbin, quickly becoming his preferred catcher. As the Nationals face the potential departure of Stephen Strasburg, having that continuity for Corbin will be important as they look to repeat.
Additionally, this signing provides solid value for the Nationals. Their catchers are locked in at a combined $10 million for 2019, allowing the franchise to put more money towards other holes on the roster. With the aforementioned Strasburg as a free agent, to say nothing of Anthony Rendon, any money they can spend to retain that duo will be needed.
Nats title should give hope to many. dark. Next
The Washington Nationals have a level of continuity with their retaining of Yan Gomes. On a roster that appears to be in flux, having the catcher situation already locked in could be important.