Gomes Willing to Return

Outfielder Jonny Gomes said on Monday that he is willing to return to Cincinnati, even though the Reds did not offer him a contract before the deadline for arbitration eligible players.

Gomes is now a free agent. He played with Tampa Bay from 2003-08 before coming to the Reds last year, when he hit .267 with 20 home runs and 51 RBI in 98 games.

“I can’t dream up any reason I wouldn’t be (willing to return),” Gomes said. “They took me in with open arms after the Rays let me go. I thought I did some good things with Jay Bruce, Joey Votto and Drew Stubbs, both on the field and off.”

“I really clicked with their core guys. I’m sure if you asked Bronson Arroyo, Brandon Phillips or Aaron Harang about me, they’d have nothing but good things to say.”

Gomes said he’ll leave the business side of things to his agents, whom he said are comfortable working with Reds general manager Walt Jocketty.

The lack of acrimony from Gomes bodes well for the Reds. But he’ll also be attractive to other clubs, especially in the American League. Gomes has experience as a designated hitter.

It’s estimated Gomes would have commanded at least $1.5 million in arbitration, and the Reds budget is minimal at best. Unless they move one of their higher salaried players.