Texas Rangers Need A Big Year From Carlos Gomez

Outfielder Carlos Gomez was signed by the Texas Rangers in August of 2016. He struggled a majority of the season, but finally found his groove in September. The Rangers need Gomez to return to his All-Star caliber play in 2017.

Carlos Gomez only played 33 games with the Texas Rangers, but it was enough for the team to re-sign him in 2017. During that time he hit .284/.362/.543 with eight home runs and 24 RBI. The Rangers hope that Gomez can return as that player this season.

He struggled heavily with the Houston Astros, hitting .210/.272/.322 with 5 home runs and 29 RBI before he was released by the team. The 31-year-old outfielder was an All-Star in 2013 and 2014. Since then Gomez looks like he lost his touch until he joined the Rangers in August.

During his two All-Star seasons Gomez hit 20 plus home runs with 30 or more stolen bases. The Rangers need that guy to come back in 2017. They are desperate for a speed threat at the top of the lineup.

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The Rangers only had two players steal over 20 bases last season. One was shortstop Elvis Andrus, and the other outfielder Ian Desmond. Luckily for the Rangers Andrus is returning in 2017, but Desmond signed with the Colorado Rockies. That means Gomez is going to have to set up and replace Desmond.

Gomez will not just be asked to replace Desmond’s speed, but his power too. Gomez has 116 career home runs, and Desmond has 132. Both have similar power numbers, but Gomez hasn’t hit 20 or more homers since 2014.

Desmond has departed, and now Gomez must step up in the leadoff role and produce. The Rangers offense needs a speedy bat with power at the top of the order. Carlos Gomez needs to step up and be a leader on the Rangers in 2017.