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New York Mets Should Not Trade for Carlos Gomez

By Nikhil Potpally

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The MLB trade deadline is quickly approaching, and there has been much support for the idea of trading for Milwaukee Brewers’ outfielder Carlos Gomez. I do not believe that the New York Mets should pursue this option because more team-friendly moves are available. The better trade would be to acquire Colorado’s Carlos Gonzalez.

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In comparison, Gomez has played in 65 games this year and is batting .268/.329/.440 whereas Gonzalez is batting .256/.312/.449 in 84 games this year.

Jul 8, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies right fielder Carlos Gonzalez (5) hits a double in the fourth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

One major factor to consider is that the trading pieces needed to acquire either player tilt the advantage to Gonzalez over Gomez. The cost for Gomez is higher than Gonzalez at this point.

When trading for Gomez, the Brewers would ask for one of the big pitchers, but the Mets would counter with a strong package which would likely include Juan Lagares, Rafael Montero, and other top prospects (without including the big pitchers). Trading for Gonzalez could be accomplished with a package centered around many good mid-level prospects, and wouldn’t have to include any of the big pitchers. To summarize, Gonzalez wouldn’t cost as much for the Mets.

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The positional factor is also evident with either move. Gomez would play centerfield and would not be a downgrade from Juan Lagares’ defensive ability. Gonzalez plays right field, so he could shift Curtis Granderson to left field and Michael Cuddyer to first base. This not only upgrades the defense immensely, but also platoons Cuddyer with the struggling Lucas Duda. With Cuddyer possibly headed to the DL, there is an even bigger need to acquire a potent bat.

Yes, Gomez would be the leadoff hitter that the Mets are lacking, but there are other factors which make CarGo a more attractive option. Gomez’s contract runs through the end of next year, so he would be entering the free agent market at the age of 30. This sets him up to receive a big contract during the prime of his career (and there’s also the fact that he’s represented by agent Scott Boras). The Mets likely will not be able to re-sign him with all of the money he would be asking for, so realistically, he is a 1.5-year rental.

Gonzalez, on the other hand, is signed through 2017 and therefore, would be under control longer. Health is always the big question with him, but so far, he hasn’t missed much time this year. His power would greatly improve the Mets’ lineup, and getting the big-name player would mean that the team is serious about contending for a playoff spot this year.

The consensus among Mets fans is that the team needs to be active in the market and significantly improve the offense without giving up young pitching. Trading for CarGo and not Gomez fulfills both preferences and would allow the team greater flexibility in the long run. Other players, such as Justin Upton, are also available in a trade, but I believe CarGo is the best option out there. Being able to retain him longer than the other options plays into the financially-challenged aspect of the Mets, but the offensive upgrade Gonzalez brings is the top necessity.

It’s about time that the team shows some urgency to improve the lineup, and trading for Gonzalez would be a step in the right direction.

Next: What other trade scenarios are possible for the Mets?

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