2) Yan Gomes
Traded to Washington: November 30, 2018
After missing the playoffs in 2018, the Nationals decided to hold off on re-signing the face of the franchise Bryce Harper. Instead, they evenly allocated their money. One of the major moves was trading for defensive catcher Yan Gomes from the Cleveland Indians.
While Gomes hasn’t overwhelmed in D.C., he has stepped up when needed. Over his two years with the team, he has hit .239, with 16 homers, 56 RBIs, an OPS of .726, and a 91 wRC+.
Behind the plate, Gomes has two DRS, and a -1.8 frame rate. His numbers behind the plate have been steadily decreasing, but he adds a veteran presence in the clubhouse. Most importantly, he came through during the team’s World Series run, when Kurt Suzuki missed some time with an injury.
While Kurt Suzuki has been the team’s primary catcher, Gomes instantly formed a battery with lefty, Patrick Corbin, who also joined the team right before the 2019 season. In their first year together, Corbin went 14-7, with a 3.25 ERA, 238 strikeouts, and a 3.49 FIP. Corbin went on to win the Warren Spahn Award, handed to the best lefty starter. The two formed a bond that allowed them both to flourish.
During the 2020 season, most of the offense struggled, but Gomes provided what Rizzo was looking for when he made the trade. In 109 at-bats Gomes hit .284, with four homers, 13 RBIs, an OPS of .787, and a 104 wRC+. Gomes has been welcomed to D.C. with open arms and he returned the favor.