tl ; dr
Lots of speculation in the DFW radio circuit that Gomez might go with a 1 year "pillow contract" whatever that is. But that is what they are calling it. Same type thing as Desmond got. 1yr/$8-10M to rehabilitate his worth for a bigger contract.
Some saying Desmond might get 4yr/$16-20M per, with the season he is having. I think it will be closer to the $20M, if not higher. The big thing with Desmond is a likely push for a 5th year.
Rangers path will likely be dictated by playoff success.
Ideally, as some in DFW has fantasized... Taking Desmond at 4yr/$16-20M per, sign Gomez for 1yr at $8-10M. Play Desmond-Gomez-Mazara and DH Choo.
Some have speculated as much as it was a need for change of scenery, that it was the role he had on the Astros. He hasn't been anything but positive since coming to the Rangers. For rhe Rangers, we have a very veteran team. Gomez has played with Beltran (39) and Lucroy (30), in the past. I think Lucroy is an "old soul," meaning he acts much more senior. Beltre is 37. Even Banny is a throwback.
Gomez has been asked to come in and fill a role, and play within himself. He doesn't need to get the clutch HR or do anything spectacular. He has taken the ball the opposite way for an infield Sac, to get a run in. Where as, he might have tried to bust the cover off the ball. Winning those little things feeds further success.
He has been very professional and thankful. He has said he deserved to be cut and was disappointed that Houston spent so much to get him and he was unable to deliver.
I've enjoyed Gomez. More than just "change of scenery" I think it was a matter of fitting in the clubhouse and fitting into the role he has been asked. One of the things JD has learned and focuses on is clubhouse fit and overall personality, as much as Sabremetrics.
Desmond was a great fit. Gomez has fit well. Lucroy has fit well. Beltran has fit well.
Astros leaders:
Gattis (30): 1,707 AB, .250
Rasmus (30): 3538 AB, .241
Rangers leaders:
Beltran (39): 9,277 AB, .282
Beltre (37): 10,271 AB, .286
Choo (34): 4,298 AB, .280
Desmond (31): 4,079 AB, .267
Lucroy (30): 2,698 AB, .284
Andrus (28): 4,601 AB, .273
Odor (22): 1,392 AB, .267
Another difference between clubhouses is, the Rangers have brought up players like Mazara, Odor and Profar to help the team win based on need. The Astros have delayed bringing up players in an effort to maintain team control. Not to say it is bad, just different.
