Despite changing managers about a month into the 2015 MLB season, the Milwaukee Brewers (16-32) are still the league's worst team. As a result, they're expected to be big sellers at the trade deadline.
The Brewers fired manager Ron Roenicke after a 7-18 start, but things haven't been much better. Milwaukee is 9-14 under new manager Craig Counsell and rumors suggest general manager Doug Melvin is more than likely to try and get value for his assets while the team continues to struggle.
One of those assets includes outfielder Carlos Gomez, who has been one of the league's top players over the past two seasons. He's batting only .258/.305/.450 with 19 runs scored, 4 home runs, 18 RBIs and 5 stolen bases right now, but he missed time because of injury and has only played in 30 games.
"Carlos Gomez looks like a potential 'key piece' in this trade market, as he's not a free agent until after next year and should have substantial value," writes Jon Heyman of CBS Sports.
The 29-year-old makes $8 million this season and $9 million in 2016, which is a bargain considering his excellent offensive output over the past three years. Additionally, the team that potentially acquires him will stand a solid chance of signing him to a contract extension.
However, Melvin isn't ready to sell his high-profile players just yet.
"One competing GM said he thought Brewers GM Doug Melvin was ready to sell two weeks ago but would probably wait until after the draft, as owner Mark Attanasio hasn't been through a sale and probably doesn't want to rush it considering the immense fan support in Milwaukee," Heyman added.
Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel also noted the Brewers believe they can land a playmaker with the 15th overall pick in the upcoming MLB Draft, so the club will probably make their selection, reassess and figure out what they'll want in return for their players when the time to trade comes.
ESPN Insider Keith Law had Milwaukee taking shortstop Kevin Newman out of the University of Arizona in his first mock draft, but now has them selecting right-hander Jon Harris out of Missouri State in his second mock.
Whatever the case, Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel believes the Brewers need to make a move as soon as they can to get maximum value for Gomez.
"Trade him now, get the most for him in theory," he wrote. "Trade him in the offseason, still do well but probably not get as much for him. Trade him next season, the return is drastically reduced. No way he re-signs with the Brewers as things currently stand. Scott Boras will be shooting for the moon with him in free agency."
Previous rumors indicated the team would not be willing to part ways with catcher Jonathan Lucroy or shortstop Jean Segura, which makes Gomez their most valuable trade chip.
There are a number of clubs looking for help in the outfield and Gomez brings a multi-faceted game the position. We'll be keeping an eye on the Brewers and Gomez in the coming weeks/months.