‘This is Yan’s Team’: Yan Gomes Becomes the Reliable Force Cubs Seek – Top

Being able to distill a player’s worth into one single metric was always going to be flawed. The reality is that no matter how much data takes over front offices, some aspects of the game just can’t be measured. Many would argue that Yan Gomes falls into that category.

By looking at the numbers, Gomes is merely an average player this season. He has a 100 wRC+ on the year, is at plus-1 by Defensive Runs Saved and is negative when it comes to framing. But talk to anyone with the Chicago Cubs and they will tell you Gomes is central to the team’s success.

When the Cubs designated Tucker Barnhart for assignment, many made a mental leap assuming it had to do with Miguel Amaya’s emergence more than anything else. Amaya’s staying healthy and turning himself into a trusted young catcher is undoubtedly part of the calculus here.

“We put a lot of confidence in Miggy in making this move,” manager David Ross said. “He’s somebody that’s continuing to grow and we believe in around here.”

Amaya’s performance, particularly on offense, had reduced Barnhart’s role significantly, and with some trusted depth in Triple A (the team reacquired P.J. Higgins in a small move in July), the Cubs were comfortable moving on. But Amaya isn’t taking over just yet. Ross and the Cubs have been searching for a specific type of catcher. Many wondered why they allowed Willson Contreras and his potent bat to walk last winter. They would certainly have taken his offense, but the traits they seek behind the plate are rare and it’s clear they’ve found them with the veteran Gomes.

Amaya has a 117 wRC+ and appears to be just scratching the surface of what he can do at the plate. But he’s also still learning the finer details behind it. Pitchers compliment his work there, but there is another level that comes with time at this position. Gomes is at a point that only some of the best in the game reach.

“Yan is just really engaged in everything that we do,” veteran starter Jameson Taillon said. “He is locked into his game planning, locked into his weight room and training room routine. He is always ready to give a good at-bat. Even when he’s not playing, he’s locked in on the bench.”

Like Taillon said, Gomes doesn’t have to be in the lineup to impact the game. He’s often in the pitching coaches’ ears or sharing what he sees with the other catchers. When he’s not catching a teammate’s bullpen, he’ll often still observe and be ready with feedback. He and Ross quickly bonded over the tiny details of the game many overlook, often chatting in his office or the dugout.

Gomes has such a presence that it can almost be intimidating. His interactions with reporters are often positive, but he can give a daunting glare when presented with a question he feels is obvious or unnecessary. He can also shoot a disarming grin, though, and quickly put anyone at ease.

He carries himself with confidence, and his next-level knowledge of the game comes across clearly once engaged in conversation. There’s a willingness to share what he knows and help grow the game in any way he can. His pitchers see that in him and understand he’s there to make sure he gets the best out of them, first and foremost. He’s a steadying presence on and off the field, someone the pitchers trust and who puts them at ease knowing he’s around. To Gomes, that’s all that matters. Everything else, including his own success, is secondary.

“I feel like he knows how to extract the most out of guys,” Taillon said.

Gomes won a World Series with the Washington Nationals in 2019 and helped lead strong staffs on multiple winning teams while in Cleveland. He caught Max Scherzer, Corey Kluber and Stephen Strasburg in their primes. That history carries weight with everyone in the clubhouse.

Gomes was taught early in his career to put his personal success to the side. In Cleveland, manager Terry Francona made it clear that his priority was getting the pitching staff through the game, which would lead to wins.

“If I got hits, it was a plus in his eyes,” Gomes said about Francona last season.

The Cubs are Gomes’ fifth organization, and a trend has continued in Chicago. Initially, his focus is learning how to get the best out of his pitchers. That often has led to his offense struggling. But eventually, it comes around. After a 57 wRC+ in his first half-season with the Nationals, he posted a 107 in the second half and 105 the following season. It was similar in his first year with the Cubs: a 49 wRC+ in the first half and 106 in the second.

Again, he’s producing at a solid level this year and has delivered numerous clutch hits in big moments. Gomes, a former Silver Slugger, doesn’t put much weight into the trend, though. The offense is a bonus to what he’s really there to do.

“Yan knows his value is behind the plate,” Drew Smyly shared a year ago. “Even though he’s been a great hitter, he’s been in the league 10 years; he takes so much pride in knowing his pitchers.”

What Ross and the Cubs were so desperately seeking behind the plate they’ve found in Gomes. His value can’t fully be measured in WAR or on-paper statistics. Pitchers marvel at his ability to read swings and switch up a game plan when he sees something others might have missed. Not a single player in the clubhouse would deny that he brings immeasurable value that the team desperately needs.

“He has that leader presence where he knows when to push you a bit but also knows when to hype you up,” Taillon said.

A team that seemed to be lacking leadership not long ago has multiple veterans asserting themselves in the clubhouse. Dansby Swanson’s desire to win is worn on his sleeve every day. Taillon has helped bring the starting pitchers together, and Kyle Hendricks’ return has provided a soothing presence. Gomes has gone from a veteran backup on a bad Cubs team to an impactful starter and obvious leader on a team fighting for a playoff berth.

Ross said he’d find the right matchups to play Amaya. When Hendricks, who calls his own games, starts, perhaps Amaya could be paired with him. Keeping Gomes fresh is a priority as well. But this isn’t a split-playing-time situation. There’s a starting catcher and backup. Gomes has earned his role, not only with what he’s done this season but also with a long history of success and a resume that checks all the boxes this team has wanted.

If that wasn’t already clear, Ross made sure of it when asked.

“I think Yan Gomes gives us the best chance to win,” Ross said. “I feel like this is Yan’s team.”

(Top photo: Rick Osentoski / USA Today)