When the Chicago Cubs signed Yan Gomes to a two-year contract closing offseason, the principle purpose for 2022 was once to have a solid veteran backup presence that might alleviate the force on Willson Contreras to begin each day, one thing the group could not in finding in 2021. Gomes had stuffed that function on a World-Series-winning Washington Nationals group in 2019 and endured to play that section completely with the Cubs.
Yan Gomes; price didn’t come on the plate. In what’s undeniably his vulnerable spot, the Brazilian completed with a wRC+ of simply 73, highlighted by way of an on-base proportion of simply .260. However, Gomes’ price got here from staying wholesome and stepping in on a constant foundation when Contreras essential a time without work.
In 2021, Contreras began 116 video games at catcher out of necessity because of a slew of accidents to the Cubs’ backups. That ended in the group creating a backup catcher a concern so he may get extra days off of his ft, however nonetheless be in the lineup as a delegated hitter. The technique paid off, as Gomes began 66 video games at catcher whilst Contreras began simply 72. Contreras additionally began 39 video games at designated hitter.
Perhaps as a right away correlation, the Venezuela local had one of the crucial best possible seasons of his profession. The catcher completed with an OPS+ of 128, the most efficient of his profession, and the additional time off of his ft at catcher diminished the damage and tear he would usually undergo in a season.
Gomes additionally was once credited by way of nearly all the pitching workforce as a large reason why for the unit’s collective growth. The Cubs had a number of breakthroughs at the pitching workforce, with Justin Steele proving past a doubt that he can stick in the rotation. While Marcus Stroman, Adrian Sampson, Drew Smyly, and the litany of younger relievers that Gomes stuck for right through the 12 months put in nice performances.
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Now, with Contreras doubtlessly leaving in loose company, Gomes is more likely to see just a little of an uptick in video games performed until the Cubs had been to carry again Contreras. Gomes has best began greater than 110 video games as soon as in the closing 8 seasons, so it would be smart for the Cubs to search for a extra offensive-minded catcher to separate time with the 35-year-old in 2023.
The former all-star was once a much-needed solid presence on the backup catcher place. While the previous silver-slugger did not have stellar performances in his personal proper, his sure impact on his teammates’ performances cannot be denied, and the Cubs shouldn’t have any factor bringing him again.
Final Grade: B
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