Cleveland Guardians: The 2022 Opening Day Dream Lineup

8. Yan Gomes, C, Cleveland Guardians

Call it a reunion or a homecoming, but the Cleveland Guardians should consider bringing Yan Gomes back to town. We will find out in the coming days if Cleveland picks up Roberto Perez’s option and if the answer is no, then the Guardians should try and add an offensive bat behind the plate.

Gomes was last with Cleveland in 2018 and was named an All-Star. That offseason he was traded for Daniel Johnson and Jefry Rodriguez, a deal that Cleveland might wish they could have back, at least in terms of on-field production.

Now, Gomes is set to enter free agency after being a deadline acquisition by the Oakland A’s this past season. At 34-years old, Gomes is reaching the end of his career, but there’s still plenty of pop left in his bat.

During the 2021 season, he slashed a combined .252/.301/.421 between Oakland and Washington with 15 doubles and 14 home runs. That type of production would be welcomed with open arms in Cleveland. Plus, he still can perform behind the plate, having just three errors this past season.

Given that Gomes is older and knows the staff, he could be a perfect addition to the team. He would bring veteran leadership to a young team while also being a band-aid fix until the club’s catcher prospects are ready.