Texas Rangers: Should Carlos Gomez Return to Arlington in 2018?

The starting rotation is the biggest concern of the Texas Rangers this off-season. Losing outfielder Carlos Gomez also hurt, but could he be back in Arlington next season?

31-year-old outfielder Carlos Gomez signed a one-year $11.5 million deal with the Texas Rangers in 2017. He wanted to prove himself much like slugger Ian Desmond did in 2016 with Texas.

Desmond signed a one-year deal with Texas to improve his value, and it worked. He landed a five-year $70 million deal with the Colorado Rockies last off-season. Is there a chance that Gomez lands a similar deal?

It’s doubtful Gomez gets a similar deal, Desmond had a better season during his contract season. Gomez hit .255 with 17 home runs and 51 RBI with 13 stolen bases in 105 games. Not a horrible season for Gomez, but not a year that will land him a $70 million contract.

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Should the Rangers go after Gomez if they can find a realistic price range? Realistically there isn’t much of a spot for Gomez on the Rangers anymore. Outfielder Nomar Mazara will hold down right field all season.

Breakout outfielder Delino DeShields is expected to be able to cover center on an everyday basis. He hit .269 with six home runs and 22 RBI with 29 stolen bases in 120 games. Not the same power as Gomez, but he’s just as good and he’s much cheaper.

Left field in Arlington is still a mystery as of right now. Youngster Willie Calhoun is expected to be the future out there. He hit .300 with 31 home runs and 93 RBI in 128 games in Triple-A last season.

The Rangers received Calhoun in the Yu Darvish deal, and it looks like a steal. He has a good strikeout to walk ratio, and solid power numbers. Calhoun has some speed as well and looks like a five-tool player.

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There really isn’t a home for Gomez on this Rangers ballclub anymore. Unless he wants to return as a fourth outfielder which is highly unlikely. The good news is that the Rangers have a bright future in the outfield.