Late Wednesday evening, it appeared that the New York Mets acquired the impact hitter they were searching for. Joel Sherman of the New York Post confirmed a myriad of speculation, reporting that a trade sending Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Carlos Gomez to the Mets was done, pending physicals.
Deal with #Brewers is done pending physicals. Gomez to #Mets
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) July 30, 2015
The 29-year-old Gomez figured to slot into the Mets lineup and take over in center field. At last, a team in desperate search of offense had landed the difference maker they were searching for. But Mets General Manager Sandy Alderson burst that bubble of happiness for Mets fans. He told several reporters, including Anthony DiComo of MLB.com, that social media blew up the facts. In addition, the trade was off and “will not transpire,” said Alderson.
Sandy Alderson insists “there is no trade. Unfortunately, social media got ahead of the facts.” Says Gomez deal “will not transpire.” #Mets — Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) July 30, 2015
Instantly, the inferred reason as to why the deal fell through became the package of players heading to Milwaukee. While the Brewers were set to receive young infielder Wilmer Flores, they were also set to receive oft-injured starting pitcher Zack Wheeler. The 25-year-old Wheeler went under the knife prior to the regular season, undergoing Tommy John surgery.
Therefore, Bob Nightengale of USA Today tweeted that the Brewers backed out of the trade amid concerns of Wheeler’s recently operated elbow.
The #Brewers rejected the #Mets trade because of concerns over Wheeler”s physical and still plan to trade Gomez by Friday.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) July 30, 2015
However, that turns out to not be the reason why the trade did not and will not transpire. Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reports that the Mets backed out of the trade with concerns over Gomez’s hip. Therefore, that goes against both the speculation and reporting from Nightengale. Despite Wheeler being a question mark due to his injuries, Andy Martino of the New York Daily News confirms that Wheeler’s medicals were not the problem.
Sources: #Mets backed out of trade due to concern over hip issue with #Brewers ‘ Gomez. — Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 30, 2015
Certainly, it is a surprising twist, considering that the Mets were team trading a player who is not expected to return until 2016. Yet, they decided that Gomez and his hip were serious enough of a problem not to finish off their trade. Even if his hip is an issue, Gomez has still managed to have a productive season, albeit not as good as his prior two seasons in which he was an All-Star.
Through 73 games, Gomez is batting .266 with eight HR and 43 RBI. Also, the former Met is considered one of the premier defenders in the game. Although, the Mets do boast the reigning Gold Glover winner in center field, Juan Lagares on their roster. The deal still fell through regardless.
Adam McCalvy of MLB.com says that Gomez’s hip has been bothering him for an extensive period of time but has not caused him to miss much. Still, the Mets appear adamant with their stance.
Gomez has been dealing with that right hip/groin issue for some time, but he’s played all but one #Brewers game since June 23.
— Adam McCalvy (@AdamMcCalvy) July 30, 2015
DiComo spoke to a Mets official who reportedly stressed just how badly the team want Gomez. While there are other options, such as Gomez’s teammate Gerardo Parra, Jay Bruce, and others, the Mets wanted Gomez the most.
#Mets official stressed how badly they wanted Gomez. Front office is frustrated. Parra, Bruce, others don’t appeal to them on same level.
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) July 30, 2015
It is still possible for both sides to reopen discussions and potentially agree to a trade. But Alderson’s comments did not suggest that that would be happening. Despite the controversy for the Mets, the Inquisitr reports that the team will still search for a hitter. It most likely will not be Gomez but with this debacle in the books, the team appears at least serious in their pursuit of offense.
The Brewers still plan to trade Gomez, as noted by Nightengale in the aforementioned tweet.
[Image by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images]