The New York Mets announced they’ve officially signed veteran outfielder Carlos Gomez to a minor league deal with an invitation major league camp.
Gomez, 33, hit .208/.298/.336 with 15 doubles, nine home runs, 32 RBI, and 12 stolen bases in 408 plate appearances for the Rays in 2018. He posted a 0.5 bWAR and had eight defensive runs saved in 798.2 innings in right field.
The former Met, signed in 2002 and traded to Twins in 2008, was better in 2017 when he hit .255/.340/.462 and had a 1.7 bWAR for the Rangers.
Mets GM Brodie Van Wagenen talked about the addition of Gomez, “Carlos adds additional depth to our outfield. He’s an all-around player who can help offensively, defensively and on the basepath.”
Gomez made his major league debut in 2007 with the Mets and he told reporters on Thursday he was excited to be back, “It’s a dream, to come back to the team where everything started.”
The Mets currently have Juan Lagares, Keon Broxton, Brandon Nimmo, and Michael Conforto as healthy outfielders on the 40-man roster. Infielder Jeff McNeil is also getting time in the infield, though that could change with Jed Lowrie and Todd Frazier still sidelined with injuries.
Gomez looks to be competing with veterans Rajai Davis and Gregor Blanco for a backup outfielder role. All three of them signed minor league deals.
