Even though the Cubs likely have their sights set on free-agent prize Jason Heyward, it’s good to have a backup plan.
Chicago is in need of an outfielder following the departure of Dexter Fowler, and Carlos Gomez’s name has emerged as another possibility, should Heyward fall through.
This via the Houston Chronicle:
The Cubs do have interest in Gomez, but the Astros are reticent to make a move and have a high price not only because Gomez could be a high impact player, but because the Astros have an outfield that has a history of injuries with Springer and Colby Rasmus.
Houston dealt Fowler to Chicago prior to last season as he was entering the final year of his deal and could do the same with Gomez, who will be a free agent next fall.
Gomez, 30, batted .255 last season while splitting time between Houston and Milwaukee. His best seasons came as a Brewer in 2013 and 2014 when he batted .284 and hit at least 23 home runs for consecutive seasons.
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A separate report indicates that Colorado’s Charlie Blackmon is another possibility:
Blackmon, who has a beard that rivals Jake Arrieta’s, batted .287 last season with the Rockies.
Stats via Baseball-Reference.