Reds Re-Sign Slugging Outfielder Jonny Gomes

Updating his previous report, Mark Sheldon now says that Jonny Gomes signed a one-year Major League contract with a 2011 option. The financial commitment on Cincinnati’s part only serves to confirm that Gomes is the front-runner to get the most playing time in left field.

A number of teams were rumored to have interest in Gomes during the offseason, but Xavier Nady landing in Chicago took away the strongest suitor, and ultimately Gomes was able to return to his previous employer. To make room on the 40-man roster, pitcher Edinson Volquez was placed on the 60-day DL.

Earlier this morning, we discussed Jonny Gomes’ re-signing with the Reds. Now we have a little more information, as Mark Sheldon says his contract is a minor league deal.

This fact doesn’t really change a whole lot - Gomes is still the favorite to gather the most at bats in left field. The Reds simply had a full 40-man roster, and signing Gomes to a minor league contract allows them to bring him in without kicking anyone off. What this allows them to do is wait a little while and observe the spring before deciding who stays and who goes from the 40-man, and on the off chance that Gomes fails to impress, the Reds won’t be out a significant amount of money.