The Atlanta Braves’ outfield reconstruction continues.
The Braves are pursuing free-agent outfielder Jonny Gomes, according to MLB.com’s Mark Bowman. Atlanta reportedly is considering Gomes as a potential platoon option with Zoilo Almonte in left field.
The Braves traded outfielders Jason Heyward, Justin Upton and Evan Gattis this offseason. Atlanta signed Nick Markakis to a four-year, $44 million contract to play right field, and B.J. Upton likely will start in center field. Left field remains somewhat of a mystery, though, and Gomes would provide veteran leadership in addition to some pop against left-handed pitching.
Gomes hit .234 with six homers, 37 RBIs and a .657 OPS in 112 games split between the Boston Red Sox and Oakland Athletics in 2014. He won a World Series title with Boston in 2013, even crushing a memorable home run in Game 4 of the Fall Classic.
Gomes owns a career .861 OPS against left-handers. The 34-year-old has played for five teams — A’s, Red Sox, Washington Nationals, Cincinnati Reds and Tampa Bay Rays — during his 12-year major league career.
Thumbnail photo via John Bazemore/The Associated Press
