Gomes is planning on playing in 2017, although whether it's in the US or in Japan is still to be determined, Jerry Crasnick of ESPN reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 36-year-old last appeared in the majors back in 2015 when he was a member of the Braves and World Series-champion Royals, but he did play a bit in Japan last season. Gomes is insistent that he still has some pull power left in the tank, although it'll be tough for him to carve out a very big role in the states unless he begins to hit better than the .213 batting average he posted in 2015.

Gomes is signing with the Rakuten Golden Eagles in Japan on Wednesday, Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reports.

EDGE Analysis

Gomes played in 95 games in the MLB last season, moving from the Braves to the Royals last season. He hit seven home runs and added 26 RBI while hitting for a .213/.313/.347 slash line. His move to Japan should be a big boost for the Golden Eagles, who finished in last place in the Pacific League last season.

Gomes' club option for 2016 was declined by the Royals Thursday, making him a free agent.

EDGE Analysis

Gomes played sparingly with the Royals and Braves this season, recording a .213/.313/.347 slash line and seven home runs in 225 at-bats. While the 34-year-old might live in infamy due to a "mic drop" during the Royals' World Series parade, he's unlikely to gain any fantasy relevance with his career seemingly winding to a conclusion. Gomes will likely provide organizational depth for an outfield-needy team in the offseason, but he shouldn't be counted on for fantasy purposes.

Gomes was a late addition to Thursday's lineup against the White Sox, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Gomes will replace Alex Rios in right field due to Rios' sore back. However, it's unlikely his presence in the lineup will be consistent moving forward. Although a lineup hasn't been announced, it seems likely he'll bat ninth in Rios' place.

Gomes has been traded to the Royals, Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reports.

EDGE Analysis

Gomes was removed from Monday's game and was seen hugging teammates in the dugout, so although official confirmation hasn't come out, there appears to be little doubt about this deal. Gomes' fantasy value doesn't appear set to improve with the move, as he's likely to serve as nothing more than a right-handed pinch hitter, with starting left fielder Alex Gordon (groin) expected to return from the DL on Tuesday.

Gomes went 1-for-2 with a solo homer, a walk, and two runs scored in Wednesday's loss to the Rockies.

EDGE Analysis

Gomes, who served as the Braves' cleanup hitter with lefty Yohan Flande on the mound, ended up being robbed of two plate appearances after he was replaced in left field by Michael Bourn later in the contest. The Braves' outfield is more crowded these days with Freddie Freeman's return from the DL pushing Nick Swisher into more consideration for a corner spot, which may result in Gomes seeing decreased action against right-handed pitching. Wednesday's start was just his second in the past 11 games.

Gomes is not in the lineup Friday against the Giants. Gomes has seen three starts against right-handers recently, but he's now set to sit in favor of Todd Cunningham in left for a second straight day. Given Gomes' tremendous struggles against right-handed pitching this season (.159/.197/.286), it seems likely manager Fredi Gonzalez will deploy a more strict platoon moving forward.

Gomes will start in right field and bat seventh Wednesday against the Dodgers. Wednesday marks Gomes' third start in the Braves' last fives games against right-handed pitchers. Todd Cunningham assumed the larger end of the platoon in left upon Kelly Johnson's placement on the DL, and he has fared well (10-for-28 with three doubles), but manager Fredi Gonzalez seems intent on giving Gomes more opportunities against right-handers.

Gomes is out of the lineup Friday against the Marlins, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports. Kelly Johnson hit the DL with an oblique strain, and while that could create slightly more playing time for Gomes, manager Fredi Gonzalez may opt to continue sitting him against most right-handed starters. Todd Cunningham is getting the start in left field Friday over Gomes, who is 7-for-49 (.143 average) with 17 strikeouts and three walks against right-handers so far this season.

Gomes is back in the lineup in left field Sunday against the Reds, David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. Manager Fredi Gonzalez has shown a preference to lean on Kelly Johnson as his everyday left fielder and middle-of-the-lineup bat of late, but with Johnson slated to cover third base Sunday, Gomes will draw in after spending the previous four games of the bench. Johnson figures to see action ahead of Gomes on most occasions until he cools, leaving Gomes with minimal value outside of NL-only leagues.