The Kansas City Royals have added Jonny Gomes to their roster, giving them more outfield depth down the stretch.
Luis Valenzuela heads to the Atlanta Braves on the other end of the deal. Valenzuela is 22 and is batting .364 in the minors this season.
Kansas City Royals Aquire Jonny Gomes from Atlanta Braves
Jonny Gomes hasn’t played quality baseball this year. He boasts a .223 average with only 7 home runs and 22 runs batted in. Keep in mind, however, that five of his seven home runs have come against lefties.
The Royals will use Gomes as a spot starter in matchups with lefties and he could also work as an emergency alternative for the Royals. He has a playoff resume and could be a strong presence in the dugout through the end of the regular season and into the playoffs.
Gomes is known for being a strong clubhouse presence and is known for being on teams that make deep playoff runs. He won it all with the Boston Red Sox in 2013. His leadership, experience, and attitude will certainly benefit a relatively young Royal’s squad.
The Royals seek to participate in their second straight World Series and are in a strong position to do so, as they have a monstrous 13-game lead in the American League Central.
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Main Photo Caption:
ATLANTA, GA – AUGUST 26: Jonny Gomes #7 of the Atlanta Braves celebrates a solo home run in the sixth inning of the game against the Colorado Rockies on August 26, 2015 at Turner Field in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
