<
>

Jonny Gomes to play 2016 season for Rakuten Golden Eagles

Free-agent outfielder Jonny Gomes is headed to Japan after agreeing to a one-year deal with the Rakuten Golden Eagles.

The deal is worth $2 million guaranteed, with another $1 million in incentives, and includes a mutual option, according to FOX Sports.

Gomes, 35, has played with seven teams in Major League Baseball, winning World Series titles with the Boston Red Sox in 2013 and the Kansas City Royals last season.

He has served primarily as a role player in recent years but is known as a great clubhouse presence and made memorable speeches at both the Red Sox and Royals championship celebrations.

"The last couple of years for me, it's been World Series or bust," Gomes told FOX Sports. "This is World Series or bust with a little twist. I'll go win over there."

In 13 seasons, he has batted .242 with 162 home runs and 526 RBIs. In 2015, he batted a combined .213 with seven home runs and 26 RBIs in 95 games for the Atlanta Braves and Kansas City.

Gomes told FOX sports that he soured on the free-agent process this offseason but hasn't closed the door on the majors.

"This isn't a farewell tour," Gomes told the website. "This isn't like my last year. I have no plans of hanging it up. I can always come back or, if I take off over there, finish my career there."