Houston Astros: If Cespedes Signs, Which Outfielder Leaves?

Carlos Gomez is Exciting in the Outfield and at the Plate, so he will Command a lot of Attention if the Astros Sign Yoenis Cespedes

Carlos Gomez played a pivotal role in the success of the 2015 Astros down the stretch, becoming an emotional leader on the team and providing some clutch at-bats, as well as some flashy plays in the outfield. Astros fans enjoyed his clutch home run in the Wild Card Game, as well as the emotional brand of baseball he brought to the ballpark everyday.

Unfortunately for Gomez, his production just was not really there in 2015. In his short stint with the Astros, Gomez struck out 31 times, posted a .242 batting average, and only mustered 13 RBIs in 149 at-bats. His WAR was 0.7 during his time in Houston, his lowest mark since the 2011 season and a far cry from his 8.5 WAR in 2013 with the Milwaukee Brewers.

No one expects Gomez to revert back to his 2013 production, but he definitely needs to make up quite a bit of ground in that category. Despite his lack of production, I believe that teams that need a bat will look out for Gomez, as he can still turn it around and have a very nice 2016. He has all the tools, but he needs to put them all together for a full season.

I think the Astros could get a lot back for Gomez even though he’s only under control for 1 full season. I could see the New York Mets going after the fiery center fielder again, as well as the Baltimore Orioles.

As I looked through what the Mets and Orioles had to offer for Gomez, I wasn’t really impressed. I don’t see New York giving up their young starting pitchers and unless the Orioles listen on Manny Machado, I’m basically uninterested. So, for this mock trade, I went with more of a dream scenario for Astros fans. Here it is:

If the Astros pair up with the Indians to make this deal for Carlos Carrasco while also acquiring Yoenis Cespedes, Houston will go crazy with Astros fever. Yes, I know this is a dream trade, but man it looks good to me. The Astros give the Indians 3 of their top 15 prospects while also providing an everyday center fielder who is one of the best in the game when he is playing well. Gomez had his slump in 2015, but when he figures it out, the dude is a heck of a baseball player.

Next: Houston Astros: Rumors and Offseason Updates

Ok, I’ll stop being a salesman to Indians fans, but if this trade goes through for Carrasco and the Astros also acquire Cespedes, I’ll be in Astros fandom paradise. The Astros would be immediate World Series favorites, setting them up in prime position to win the American League and bring a title to Houston.