Quick Hit: Yan Gomes Reaches 20-Homer Plateau

Sep 16, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Cleveland Indians catcher Yan Gomes (10) records a hit during the fourth inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

In last night’s victory over the Minnesota Twins, Yan Gomes padded the Tribe’s lead with three insurance runs after a towering bomb to the opposite field.  The homer was his 20th of the year, easily a career high.  Gomes marks the third player on the current Indians squad to reach 20 home runs this year; the Indians haven’t had 3 players with 20 homers since 2008.

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Gomes has been a vital part of the Tribe’s second-half playoff push.  He has batted .331 since the All-Star break, collecting 23 extra-base hits in 184 plate appearances.  Eight of those hits are home runs.

Gomes’ defensive metrics prove that he is not only of value offensively, but behind the plate as well.  He has above-average marks in caught stealing percentage, pitch framing and pickoffs.  Also worth noting, the Tribe’s second half pitching surge has seen not only improvements by Carrasco, Salazar, Bauer and House, but improvements by Gomes in calling the games.

Gomes is under contract through the 2019 season and is set to earn about $21 million during that time.  The team holds two options on his services.  The 2020 option is worth $9 million, with a $11 million, also with a $1 million buyout.