Texas Rangers rumors: Carlos Gomez signing with Texas

Texas Rangers rumors:  Carlos Gomez, released by the Houston Astros yesterday, is someone the Rangers have interest in, according to Jon Heyman.  Heyman notes that with Shin-Soo Choo out for at least the regular season, Gomez could help fill a corner outfield spot, while also providing some outfield depth.

I've said since early in the year that I thought Gomez might make sense as a reclamation project for center field for 2017, assuming Ian Desmond leaves in free agency (and assuming Jurickson Profar doesn't get a shot at the position).  With rosters expanding in 11 days, the Rangers could sign Gomez to a major league deal and option Delino DeShields or Ryan Rua for the short term, which would make Gomez eligible for the post-season roster.

That said, it remains an open question whether Gomez would really be an upgrade over the current outfield options...he has a .210/.272/.322 slash line this year, which is why Houston opted to release him just over a year after parting with a hefty prospect package to land him (and Mike Fiers) from Milwaukee.  I'm curious as to whether the Rangers interest is as much about looking at him as a potential option for 2017 as it is to help in 2016.

Of course, its also possible that the Rangers are just looking to continue to troll Jeff Luhnow...

UPDATE -- Both Jon Heyman and Tim Brown are saying Gomez to the Rangers is happening.  Heyman says Gomez will play 3 games in the minors to get ready.

UPDATE II -- The Rangers have signed Gomez to a minor league deal.  Gomez will, I assume, spend a few days in AAA and then either be called up or be given his release.