The Mets Have Reportedly Reached Out To Adrian Gonzalez

The Dodgers recently shocked the internet when they traded Adrian Gonzalez, Scott Kazmir, Brandon McCarthy, Charlie Culberson, and cash to the Braves. In return, Los Angeles received an old friend in Matt Kemp. The trade was really just a salary swap that keeps the Dodgers under the luxury tax threshold in 2018. It also gives them much more financial flexibly for the amazing free agent class coming up.

Adrian Gonzalez waived his no-trade clause to make this happen with the deal being that the Braves would release him. Well, on Monday they did just that and a team has already shown interest in Gonzalez. On Tuesday, Buster Olney of ESPN tweeted that the Mets have reached out to the 35-year old first-baseman.

Sources: Mets have reached out on free agent Adrian Gonzalez, who was released earlier today by the Braves.

— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) December 20, 2017

This is a smart move for the Mets because Gonzalez will cost the minimum salary in 2018 and, when healthy, is a solid hitter and defender. The Mets have a young prospect named Dominic Smith who is hoping to win the starting job at first base. In 49 games last season, Smith put up a slash line of .198/.262/.395 and hit nine home runs. This is far from the numbers he put up with the Mets’ triple-A affiliate in 2017, where he had a slash line of .330/.386/.519 and hit 16 home runs in 114 games.

Adrian Gonzalez, as we all know, had a 2017 season that was ruined by injuries. However, when he is healthy, he is as consistent as anybody at the plate. In his six years with the Dodgers, Gonzalez had a slash line of .280/.339/.454 and hit 101 home runs. If he can focus on getting healthy this off-season, his contribution to the Mets could be vital to their success. Dominic Smith, who is just 22-years old, could also benefit from his veteran presence.

Where do you think Adrian Gonzalez will end up? Let us know in the comments below!