Like it or not trading Yan Gomes had to happen. The Cleveland Indians got something in return for a player that the club was not likely to retain beyond next season.
The Cleveland Indians traded catcher Yan Gomes to the Washington Nationals for outfielder Daniel Johnson and pitcher Jefry Rodriguez. A player to be named later is also included in the deal.
While Gomes enjoyed his best statistical season in several years, it is unlikely that he repeats his performance. Gomes slashed .266/.313/.449 with an OPS of .762. All of these numbers exceed his career averages. Gomes’ slash line for his career is .248/.295/.424 with a .719 OPS.
Gomes had his best season in regards to hits and extra-base hits since 2014. A total of 107 hits, 42 extra-base hits, including 16 home runs and 26 doubles. Gomes also drove in 48 runs and scored 52 times.
The big issue in regards to Gomes’ future with the Indians is his contract. Gomes will make $7 million in 2019 with club options for 2020 and 2021. The figures for the option years are $9 million and $11 million respectively. This is just out of the price range for Cleveland for a catcher. The team can use this money to address other needs on the team. Needs that include signing a free agent or extending current players. If the money previously dedicated to Gomes is now used for an extension for Francisco Lindor, it is doubtful anyone would complain about this exchange. Especially considering that Gomes’ performance as a defensive catcher was not as good as fellow catcher Roberto Perez.
Cleveland’s return for Yan Gomes
Sending Yan Gomes to the Nationals netted the Indians an outfielder in Daniel Johnson and a pitcher in Jefry Rodriguez. Johnson has not advanced past AA yet, but has a combination of power and speed that teams covet. Johnson can drive the ball over the fence and steal a base. Rodriguez has some experience in the Major Leagues and figures to find a home in Cleveland’s bullpen next season. The Indians need help in that department and Rodriguez should provide just that.
By trading Gomes the Indians addressed two areas of need, outfield and bullpen. This is relatively similar to the trade that sent Erik Gonzalez to Pittsburgh. Cleveland received outfielder Jordan Luplow and infielder Max Moroff in that deal.
Gomes will always be appreciated for his time in Cleveland, but the fact of the matter is that it was his time to go. A relatively average catcher, who is over 30, that is becoming expensive is not a good combination for a small market baseball team. Acquiring players to help supplement the team elsewhere was an absolute necessity.
