The Mets are "very close" to a "big trade" that is likely for a major offensive piece, according to a report from Marc Carig of Newsday. It is unclear who the team is going to acquire, though Brewers' outfielder Carlos Gomez has emerged as a potential lead candidate:
At this hour, Mets pushing very hard for Carlos Gomez, source says...
— Tim Brown (@TBrownYahoo) July 29, 2015
The Mets and Brewers have had discussions on Gomez, according to Mike Puma of the New York Post. He would fit as the "big bat" that the team is looking for and is known to have been made available by a rebuilding Brewers' team. Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com adds one potential scenario that has been discussed between the clubs.
Source: One combination that #Mets and #Brewers have discussed: Wheeler and Flores for Gomez. Again, no indication whether deal is close.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 30, 2015
Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com adds that the Brewers are looking for one of the Mets' top four young pitchers in a deal, and that it will be difficult for the teams to come to terms unless Milwaukee lowers its asking price.
New York has been in search of a "big bat" for weeks, with Gomez, Gerardo Parra, Jay Bruce, Justin Upton, Carlos Gonzalez and Yoenis Cespedes among the names who have been linked to the club. Reports in the last few hours have indicated that the team is not likely to acquire Cespedes, Bruce or Parra,I'm told Carlos Gonzalez is not the bat they'll be adding. A surprise move is possible.
The Mets have been active on the trade market so far this summer, acquiring Juan Uribe and Kelly Johnson from the Braves before dealing for Athletics' closer Tyler Clippard. It will be interesting to see if they can pull off a major trade for a bat without trading away one of their prized young pitchers, especially with Zack Wheeler's name popping up in recent rumors. Some are speculating that the Brewers, who could use young arms, could ask for Wheeler as the centerpiece of a deal for Gomez.