Trade rumors have engulfed the Milwaukee Brewers after their horrid start to 2015 and the dismissal of manager Ron Roenicke in May. At 38-52 they're an obvious seller as it's clear they need to look toward the future, and one of their top players could have a new home before the deadline.
Outfielder Carlos Gomez was loosely mentioned in previous trade rumors, but it was unclear if general manager Doug Melvin would be willing to deal the 29-year-old because he's under contract through 2016. According to sources within the Brewers' organization, it looks like Gomez will be made available before July 31.
"The Brewers are willing to trade not only star center fielder Carlos Gomez but even young shortstop Jean Segura, according to one person familiar with their thinking, who suggested it's somewhat likely they move both players," Jon Heyman of CBS Sports wrote in his latest edition of Inside Baseball. "Gomez's possible move is born of pragmatism, as the person mentioned how there's no way the Brewers would be able to afford to keep Gomez long-term considering Jacoby Ellsbury's $153-million deal (Gomez is a free agent after 2016)."
If this is true, Milwaukee clearly sees the value in dealing Gomez now. He's owed $8 million in 2015 and will earn $9 million in 2016, so potential suitors would be acquiring a cheap and productive player. He's having a down year through the first half of 2015, but his numbers still aren't bad at all (.273/.322/.450 with 38 runs scored, 8 home runs, 41 RBIs and 7 stolen bases in 62 games) considering he's been dealing with a wrist injury.
He really broke out onto the scene in 2013 and 2014 by displaying his tremendous ability to produce all-around statistics:
2013 - .284/.338/.506 with 80 runs scored, 24 home runs, 73 RBIs and 40 stolen bases in 147 games
2014 - .284/.356/.477 with 95 runs scored, 23 home runs, 73 RBIs and 34 stolen bases in 148 games
Gomez will be a hot commodity as a number of MLB teams are looking for a power-hitting outfielder. Let's take a look at who might be interested in Gomez before the deadline.
3. New York Mets
Could Gomez return to the team that signed him off the international market back in 2002? The Mets ended up trading Gomez to the Minnesota Twins in 2007 as part of a package for Johan Santana, but now they're reportedly interested in a reunion.
"The Mets will be aiming high on the offensive front, with Justin Upton and ex-Met property Carlos Gomez said to be on their radar," Heyman adds.
New York's current center fielder Juan Lagares is dealing with an elbow issue (which has affected him since last September) that may or may not require Tommy John surgery. This could be affecting his offense, as he's batting just .256/.284/.339 through 84 games. The Mets are seriously lacking offensive production and the addition of Gomez would provide a multi-faceted threat at the plate.
Additionally, owner Fred Wilpon won't have to worry about inheriting a large salary with the potential acquisition since Gomez is owed only $9 million next season. General manager Sandy Alderson said he'd be willing to overpay for a bat, and Gomez could certainly be the one.
2. San Francisco Giants
Earlier in the season the Giants were exploring depth options among position players and this month they were reportedly taking a look at outfielders Gerardo Parra (MIL) and Cameron Maybin (ATL), according to ESPN Insider Buster Olney.
Hunter Pence is back, but how long can he stay healthy? Nori Aoki will be out for a while with a fractured fibula, so the need for an outfielder is clear - especially one that can hit for power. Pence, Aoki, Angel Pagan and Gregor Blanco have combined for just 7 home runs and 79 RBIs on the season.
Gomez is having a down year and has 8 and 41.
The only problem is Pence, Pagan and Blanco are all signed through at least 2016, so the Giants may not have room for a full-time starter such as Gomez, but that doesn't mean they can't move one of their own outfielders to create space for a player that will provide the spark they need to catch the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West race.
The Giants surprised many this year after losing some key free agents (Pablo Sandoval and Michael Morse) while being without starters Matt Cain and Jake Peavy for much of the season. Can they surprise again at the trade deadline?
1. Houston Astros
This may not be the most likely, but the need is there, especially after George Springer went down with a fractured wrist this month. The Astros are in the market for a starting pitcher, which is their greatest need, and it appears as if their outfield depth could take an ever bigger hit if they look to acquire a marquee starter.
"Houston has an excess of outfielders and seems willing to deal from that strength, which could include Domingo Santana and Preston Tucker (whose brother Kyle, the No. 5 pick overall, was just signed)," Heyman also mentioned.
As we noted earlier today, general manager Jeff Luhnow said the club would be considering offensive options at the deadline too. They have a ton of young outfielders and really need a veteran out there to facilitate some consistent offensive production (Colby Rasmus, Jake Marisnick and Preston Tucker have combined for 21 home runs and 71 RBIs and all are batting .256 or worse).
Gomez would not be a burden on their payroll either and would help inject some offense in a lineup that was exposed during their 10-game road trip before the All-Star break (33 runs scored and 88 strikeouts in those contests). They have a very young roster and could use some veteran help to improve their chances of making the postseason.
The Los Angeles Angels took the AL West lead by a half-game before the break and the Astros will need to maintain consistency to stay atop the race to break their nine-year postseason drought.
Luhnow could have some major tricks up his sleeve before July 31.
