Cubs to exercise contract option for Yan Gomes

Report: Cubs to exercise contract option for Yan Gomes originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago

As the MLB offseason gains momentum, Chicago Cubs enthusiasts have begun to get a glimpse of what the team might look like in 2024 within the last 48 hours.

While Cubs fans can anticipate the return of Kyle Hendricks next season and the likely departure of Marcus Stroman to another team, another crucial member of the 2023 roster will be back for the upcoming season.

According to ESPN’s Jesse Rogers, the Cubs have chosen to exercise their 2024 option on catcher Yan Gomes, ensuring his return for a third year with the team.

Gomes, 36, will enter his 13th season in the majors next year, following a revitalizing 2023 with the Cubs.

After a disappointing 2022 season where Gomes posted a .235/.260/.365 slash line with 20 extra-base hits and a 72 OPS+, he emerged as one of the Cubs’ most valuable hitters in the latter half of the lineup in 2023.

In 116 games last year, Gomes recorded 32 extra-base hits, a 93 OPS+, and a .769 OPS with two outs and runners in scoring position.

Although the original plan for 2023 involved a platoon role for Gomes and Tucker Barnhart, Barnhart’s offensive struggles led to Gomes assuming the everyday catcher position later in the season, splitting time with Miguel Amaya.

A similar arrangement is likely for 2024, with both Gomes and Amaya returning to the Cubs. However, it’s reasonable to expect an increased role for Amaya due to Gomes’ age.

In 2024, Gomes’ offense is likely to be situationally utilized, considering his pronounced split against right-handed and left-handed pitchers.

In 2023, Gomes had an .824 OPS against left-handers and a .673 OPS against right-handers, despite a nearly identical on-base percentage against both.

This presents an opportunity for Gomes to serve as a designated hitter in specific matchups, particularly considering the developing chemistry between Amaya and Kyle Hendricks.

Gomes, who signed a $13 million, two-year deal before the 2022 season, will earn $6 million in 2024 with his option exercised.