The Milwaukee Brewers have locked up their center fielder, Carlos Gomez, to a four-year $28.3 million deal after he began realizing his prodigious potential in 2012.
Gomez was one of the top prospects in the New York Mets' farm system before he was shipped to the Minnesota Twins along with pitchers Phillip Humber, Deolis Guerra and Kevin Mulvey for then-ace Johan Santana. Santana went on to throw the first no-hitter in Mets' history last season.
Gomez was a flop in his first year with the Twins, batting .258 with seven home runs and stealing 33 bases. His second year was far worse; his batting average dipped to .229, he hit just three home runs and only stole 14 bases in 137 games. In 2009 the Twins dealt Gomez to Milwaukee for shortstop J.J. Hardy. Gomez' 2010 and 2011 seasons with the Brewers were very disappointing offensively but he morphed into one of the top defensive outfielders in baseball in two seasons ago, accounting for 12 defensive runs saved according to Fangraphs.com.
Last year, he became a legitimate power and speed threat, swatting 19 home runs and stealing 37 bases while posting a UZR of 5.5 in center. Upon putting pen to paper on his new contract Gomez expressed excitement for the future and gratitude to the Brewers. ''It was important for me to sign for three more years because this was going to be my fourth year with the organization that gave me a chance. I know I can have a better year than last year, and that's why I decided to sign for longer.'' Gomez skipped the World Baseball Classic in order to hammer out this extension.
General manager Doug Melvin said he saw the necessary advancements in his offensive game to feel comfortable signing Gomez long-term. ''He has always had the physical skills, and his recent performance has given us the confidence that he will take the next step in becoming one of the top center fielders in the game. His energy, speed and aggressive style of play is a perfect fit for Ron Roenicke's style of managing."
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