The Atlanta Braves have reportedly signed veteran outfielder Jonny Gomes to a one-year deal worth $4 million with vesting option.
A vesting option is usually given to an older player and is a clause in the player’s contract that is fulfilled by reaching defined playing time milestones. The vesting option usually guarantees a portion of a contract when the conditions are met
Atlanta has been looking for a “clubhouse leader” and this could possible be it. Gomes has been around the block as a 34-year-old outfielder. He has played for Tampa Bay, Cincinnati, Washington, Oakland in 2012, Boston and Oakland again in 2014.
Gomes will most likely be used as a platoon player for the Braves. He has been on the Braves radar for a few days now so this comes at little surprise. The surprise is though, what are the Braves plans? In both 2013 and 2014, he made $5 million.
In his 12 year career, Gomes is a .244/.355/.442 hitter with 155 homers.
Jonny Gomes to #Braves. One year deal with vesting option, source confirms. First reported: @TBrownYahoo.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 23, 2015
Confirming #Braves have signed Jonny Gomes to 1-yr deal that includes vesting option. @TBrownYahoo had it first.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) January 23, 2015
Was told that #Braves were still worried this afternoon that Gomes would sign with #Rangers. Braves really wanted him.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) January 23, 2015
Gomes will likely be used as part of a platoon in LF. Zoilo Almonte has been mentioned as a candidate. #Braves
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) January 23, 2015