Fansided

Astros become AL West favorites with Carlos Gomez deal

By Connor Muldowney

Jun 10, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Carlos Gomez (27) looks on from the dugout against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the sixth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 10, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Carlos Gomez (27) looks on from the dugout against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the sixth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Just one day after being reportedly traded to the Mets, Carlos Gomez finally has a home with the Houston Astros.

Mets fans were rejoicing with the news that their club had traded Wilmer Flores and Zack Wheeler to the Milwaukee Brewers for budding superstar outfielder Carlos Gomez.

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Heck, they were even chanting “Carlos Gomez” during last night’s game after the reported news only to see their shortstop, Flores, break out in tears and later find out the deal was off. Apparently, the Mets backed out because Gomez has been dealing with hip issues.

Today, the hips aren’t lying as he has been dealt to the Houston Astros, a team that has been fighting for first place in the AL West all season long with the Los Angeles Angels.

Ahead of the Angels by just one game as of Thursday afternoon, the Astros were looking to add a bat as their pitching staff was already considered one of the best in baseball.

The team’s batting average, however, has been a problem all season long, ranking just 25th in the league with a .245 mark and 20th in on-base percentage as well.

Gomez will add a much-needed bat in the middle of the order which will provide power as well as average. The 29-year-old outfielder has the potential to be a 30 home run, 100 RBI-type player for the Astros while hitting close to .280 consistently.

Although he has struggled a bit this season in all departments while trying to stay healthy, Gomez is still an extremely talented player with incredible upside who will provide big-time support for a struggling offense that has been boom or bust all season long.

Sure, you can look at the Angels and say that Mike Trout and Albert Pujols easily make them favorites to win the West, but Gomez, George Springer, Luis Valbuena and Jose Altuve will be part of a devastating lineup for opposing pitchers.

Houston needed to add a bat to the lineup in order to make a serious run in October for the first time in recent memory and they did just that with Gomez.

It’s now the Angels’ turn to make a move in response to this unless they want to settle for one of the two wild card spots.

Good move by the Astros here.

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