The New York Mets were rumored to have Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Carlos Gomez all wrapped up, but in one swift move on Wednesday night, the deal was declared dead.
The Mets have been looking for some hitting power to propel their anemic offense, and appeared to find it Wednesday in what would have been a blockbuster trade. Reports from New York media indicated that the Mets were acquiring Gomez in exchange for right-hander Zack Wheeler and infielder Wilmer Flores.
But after Wednesday’s loss to the San Diego Padres, Mets general manager Sandy Alderson declared that the trade “has not and will not transpire,” Sports Illustrated reported.
While there are rumors that the New York Mets couldn’t produce a satisfactory physical for Wheeler, who is rehabbing from Tommy John surgery and isn’t due back until June or July of next year, Alderson gave no official reason for the trade being scrapped.
But Alderson’s words also didn’t seem to imply the kind of cagey responses that become common as the MLB trade deadline approaches. While many general managers are careful to discuss deals until they have been finalized, Alderson seemed to close the door on the idea of bringing Carlos Gomez to the Mets.
Whoa! Sandy Alderson says trade trade “has not and will not transpire.”… That sounds definitive no.
— Adam Rubin (@AdamRubinESPN) July 30, 2015
The New York Mets trade rumors made for some drama on Wednesday night. As reports spread of the trade, Wilmer Flores became visibly emotional on the field. Flores signed with the Mets when he was 16, and in previous interviews has spoken about the difficulties he faced in leaving his family to play baseball.
Several times during the game, Flores was seen wiping away tears, but he reportedly asked that he remain in the game to play out what he thought to be the end of his career with the team.
Fans at Citi Field responded to Flores’ emotional game, giving him a standing ovation before his at-bat in the seventh inning.
Alderson later apologized to Flores in an interview broadcast on local Mets TV station SNY.
“I haven’t spoken to anyone but Wilmer, who was sort of at ground zero of this,” Alderson said.
While the Carlos Gomez deal may have fallen through, there are still rumors that the New York Mets will be active before the trade deadline passes. They are still seeking hitting help, and have a number of promising young pitchers they can use as trade bait.
[Picture by Kevork Djansezian /Getty Images]