Mets Agree to Trade For Carlos Gomez, Per Reports [UPDATE]
By Mike Cardillo
Carlos Gomez is on his way to the New York Mets. It appears Mets’ ownership listened to the pleas of its fanbase and agreed on a deal for the Brewers outfielder Wednesday night, pending physicals according to multiple online reports. The price to acquire Gomez was reportedly steep: injured righthander Zack Wheeler and shortstop Wilmer Flores.
I’ll just throw this out there since the Mets don’t always have the best luck with injuries …
Source says only stumbling block to Mets' Gomez deal is if Brewers balk on Wheeler's physical. No deadline extension, has to be done by Fri.
— T.J. Quinn (@TJQuinnESPN) July 30, 2015
Gomez began his career with the Mets in 2007, but was shipped to the Twins as part of the Johan Santana trade. He’s under contract through 2016, making $9 million next year. For once Mets’ management wasn’t afraid to add payroll. Following the outcry last week after the Pirates acquired Aramis Ramirez, the Mets have been busy, picking up Juan Uribe, Kelly Johnson and Tyler Clippard in trades.
Gomez is the best of the bunch and could see time in center or left field.
New York remains only a couple games back of Washington, which added Jonathan Papelbon yesterday. With its great starting pitching and reinforced lineup that should be a fun race the next two months. Gomez’s numbers (.266/.332/.429) are down a little in 2015, but he was an All Star in 2013 and 2014.
This is a gamble for Milwaukee, considering Wheeler, whom the Mets acquired in 2011 for Carlos Beltran, is out for the season with major arm surgery and could miss parts of 2016. The Mets pitching depth allowed them to make this move, which also doubles as a serious signal of intent to their fans.
UPDATE: After the Mets game GM Sandy Alderson said there wouldn’t be a deal.
Alderson just told #Mets’ writers “there is no trade” for Gomez and that a deal “will not transpire.”
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 30, 2015
Most logical explanation is that #Brewers were uncomfortable with Wheeler’s medical coming off Tommy John. Players were agreed upon.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 30, 2015
Joel Sherman, who was the first the report the potential deal offered this:
Was told players agreed upon in #Mets deal with #Brewers. Gomez for Wilmer/Wheeler. Alderson says now no deal.
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) July 30, 2015
Gomez's camp was told a trade was done pending physicals. I assume the physicals were not approved. #Brewers #Mets
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) July 30, 2015
RELATED: Search Mets Fans Are Angry at Ownership and They Damn Well Should Be
[Photo via USA Today Sports Images]