Cubs could pursue Jonny Gomes in free agency

As they look to add veteran pieces for a run at contention in 2015, the Cubs could show interest in soon-to-be free agent outfielder Jonny Gomes, according to Jesse Rogers of ESPNChicago.com. The Cubs are expected to pursue outfield help on the free agent market this winter, with hopes of adding veteran pieces to complement younger players like Arismendy Alcantara and Jorge Soler.

Gomes, whose season ended when the Athletics lost to the Royals in the AL Wild Card game, will become a free agent after hitting .234/.327/.330 with six home runs and 37 RBI in 112 games with the Red Sox and Athletics. He will turn 34 in November and comes with questions about his declining offense and below average defensive capabilities, but is a proven winner and excellent clubhouse character who could be a valuable addition to a rebuilding organization like the Cubs.

If the Cubs were to sign Gomes, they could platoon him with Chris Coghlan in left field with players like Ryan Kalish and Ryan Sweeney potentially coming back as depth options. Gomes is expected to command a one-year deal this offseason after completing the two-year, $10 million contract that he signed with the Red Sox before the 2013 season.

In twelve major league seasons, Gomes is a lifetime .244/.335/.442 hitter with 155 home runs and 500 RBI. His teams have made the playoffs in four of the last five seasons, and he was a key contributor on the World Series champion Red Sox in 2013.