Could Carlos Gomez Win Comeback Player of the Year in 2017?

The 2016 season was a disaster for Carlos Gomez until he joined the Rangers. Once Gomez went to Arlington everything changed. Could this change of scenery spark a huge season for Cargo in 2017?

During the off-season the Texas Rangers took a chance on Carlos Gomez and signed him to a one-year deal. It’s a $11.5 million contract for the 2017 season, but more importantly it gives Gomez an opportunity to re-establish himself at the Major League level.

Gomez hit .210/.272/.322 with five home runs and 29 RBI in 85 games with the Houston Astros last season. He struck out 100 times with just 21 walks in only 295 at bats. The team had given up a highly valued group of prospects for Gomez the season prior. The Astros were frustrated with Gomez’ lack of production and released him.

The Rangers wasted no time and immediately scooped up Gomez. He came into Arlington a new man, hitting .284/.362/.543 with eight home runs and 24 RBI in 33 games. Gomez kept the strikeouts down with just 36, and showed promise that he could return to his All-Star form.

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During the 2013 and ’14 seasons Gomez hit over .280 with more than 20 home runs each season. He added over 70 RBI per year, and averaged over 30 steals each of those two seasons. He was an All-Star bat and had a Gold Glove in center field.

Since then Gomez has struggled to put up similar numbers on offense. Something about playing in Arlington changes players. Prince Fielder had a terrible and injury riddled 2014 season. He came back and hit .305 with 23 home runs and 98 RBI. He won the Comeback Player of the Year in 2015.

Gomez is set to be a free agent after the 2017 season, and much like Ian Desmond, he wants to prove himself. Desmond scored a huge five-year $70 million deal from the Colorado Rockies during the off-season after re-establishing himself on the Rangers. Is Carlos Gomez next in line to have a huge bounce back season in Arlington?

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