Carlos Gomez’s time with the Houston Astros is reportedly over.
Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports the Astros have designated Gomez for assignment on Wednesday.
Source: Astros have designated OF Carlos Gomez for assignment.
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) August 10, 2016
The Astros acquired Gomez during last season’s trade deadline with Mike Fiers in a package for prospects Brett Phillips, Josh Hader, Adrian Houser and Domingo Santana. The 30-year-old posted excellent numbers in his short stint with Houston and was expected to be the everyday starting center fielder for the Astros in 2016.
Gomez’s season thus far has been disastrous. In 84 games with the Astros, he’s hit just five home runs with 29 RBI, 12 stolen bases, a .210 batting average and .272 OBP. Gomez has brought virtually nothing to the table offensively, declining heavily after three consecutive superb seasons. Defensively, Gomez has also regressed. For the first time his career, he’s posted a negative dWAR at -0.4. Despite his track record and reputation, Gomez has a -0.8 WAR. The Astros couldn’t continue to commit to him in center field for the rest of the season.
Gomez told McTaggart he’s disappointed in his performance in 2016, saying “It’s not a secret that I’m not doing my job and I’m really disappointed in myself.”
Despite his off performance, Gomez shouldn’t have a problem finding a new team. Taking a small risk on him could have a huge payoff for a team looking to add his speed to the lineup. Would the New York Mets, the team Gomez was almost traded to last season, take a chance on him? It’s possible.
For now, Gomez needs to get his head back in the game and become a productive major leaguer again. He’s too talented to be finished.
