The Mets announced several roster moves after tonight’s win over the Yankees, including the news that first baseman Adrian Gonzalez has been released. On Tuesday, prior to the team’s next game, catcher Jose Lobaton will be designated for assignment. The two open roster spots will be filled by Dominic Smith and Ty Kelly, as the Mets will recall Smith and select Kelly’s contract.
Gonzalez found himself a free agent this winter after the Braves acquired him as part of a payroll-shifting trade with the Dodgers and then almost immediately released the veteran first baseman. With the Braves covering virtually all of Gonzalez’s 2018 salary, the Mets inked him to a minimum-salary contract to see if they could find a bargain if Gonzalez regained any of his old form.
After a hot start in his first few games, however, Gonzalez settled into being a below-average bat and has most recently been caught in a deep slump, with just a .550 OPS over his last 43 plate appearances coming into tonight’s game. He’ll conclude his Mets tenure with a .237/.299/.373 slash line and six homers over 187 PA, with the bulk of his at-bats coming against right-handed pitching.
“A-Gon” began to show some signs of decline in 2016 (though still posting a 111 wRC+) and then cratered in 2017, as a severe back injury limited him to just 71 games and he hit only .242/.287/.355 over 252 PA. Gonzalez has looked generally healthy during his time with the Mets, though at age 36 and showing little sign of his old hitting prowess, one has to wonder if this could mark the end of Gonzalez’s otherwise outstanding 15-year career in the big leagues.
Ranked as one of baseball’s top-100 prospects coming into last season, Smith’s star dimmed after a mediocre start to his MLB career, as he hit just .198/.262/.395 and struck out a whopping 49 times over 183 PA last season. Mets GM Sandy Alderson was rather bluntly critical about Smith’s first stint in the big leagues, and the team’s acquisitions of Gonzalez and Jay Bruce in the offseason indicated that the team felt Smith needed more seasoning before being given another crack at regular first base duty.
The first base picture at Citi Field is still rather unclear, as both Smith and Bruce are left-handed bats and thus not an ideal platoon mix. The right-handed hitting Jose Bautista is also on the roster, and utilityman Wilmer Flores is on the DL. Brandon Nimmo’s emergence as an everyday player has helped the Mets withstand the loss of the injured Yoenis Cespedes, though it could lead to a bit of a roster logjam at the first base and corner outfield spots once Flores and Cespedes return (though the latter may not be back for a while yet).
Further complicating matters is the fact that Asdrubal Cabrera left tonight’s game with a hamstring issue, which could explain why utilityman Kelly is headed for another stint with the Mets. Rookie Luis Guillorme and struggling veteran Jose Reyes also provide infield depth on the roster, and if Cabrera does require some DL time, it could give Reyes some more opportunity to turn around his disastrous season.
Lobaton signed a minors deal over the winter to provide catching depth that quite immediately became necessary as Travis d’Arnaud and Kevin Plawecki were both sidelined with injuries. With Plawecki back and Devin Mesoraco establishing himself as a regular, Lobaton became the odd man out. This is the second time in under a month that Lobaton will enter DFA limbo, so he could very well clear waivers again and return to Triple-A.
Ouch. Sorry Adrian.
Yep. Adrian had a solid to very good career offensively. Guy was a total dud around 1B and personally I can’t imagine many would enjoy him as a teammate.
Adrian Gonzalez was one of the best defensive 1B players in the league for a long time prior to 2017 when his back went out, I have no idea what you’re talking about.
He was worth 65DRS from the time he became a starter for the Padres in 2006 to the end of him being any good in 2016.
Pretty sure he meant to type “stud”
I don’t think you are correct. That’s why he made sure to say he had a very career “offensively” instead of just saying overall. That’s also why he qualified the dud comment with saying people wouldn’t enjoy having him in the clubhouse.
Total dud huh? Lol. I’m not even going to school you right now. Might want to know what you’re talking about before you make such a stupid comment next time.
Dimitrios is the orioles guy and with this comment here it really makes me believe he’s been yanking everyone around with his orioles comments too.
Gonzalez was a great fielding first baseman. I can’t imagine anyone considering you an authority on anything.
Guy has 4 GG awards .. and they were well-deserved, not like the ones Derek Jeter used to collect despite brutal fielding metrics
LOL. I’ve been saying for years Jeter benefited towards the end with Tex and Cano on the other side. What made Jeter great however was his big game moments.
4 Gold Gloves, .995 Career Fielding %, (which is 18th best for 1B all-time)
Yes except MB’s feelings are hurt with all of the negative Met’s press and postings that he let out a little whimper.
Maybe dimitrios meant Adrian was a dud conversationally around 1B, like maybe few opposing players enjoyed exchanging pleasantries when they first reached base?
Gonzalez was definitely a plus defender all the way through his last injury-free season with the Dodgers, so far as I could tell.
Does no one remember the cancer he was in Boston? Does no one remember he was in Italy on vacation during the World Series. Just another what about me jerk
Just for the record Gonzales suffered not just from a back injury last year but also tendonitis in his elbow. I wouldn’t be surprised if he signed a minor league contract somewhere if he isn’t experiencing a recurrence of one or another. Either way we can look forward to a ceremonial first pitch at Dodger Stadium not far in the future.
Gonzalez was the longest tenured 1st overall pick.
off the top of my head, Chipper Jones, which leads me to believe there are more than a few others.
Surely he meant longest-tenured-active.
When it became evident about a month ago that he was done offensively, I was hoping he’d stick around as a late-inning defensive replacement . Probably can’t afford the roster spot though
let the young kid play. ty Kelly, very weak player, just see last yr stats with the sillies I mean Phillies. good luck mess I mean mets to rest of your season.
Kelly is a glove not a bat, Tragic- I mean, Eric.
If it was any other team I wouldn’t be surprised.
Conforto to AAA is a must
Ur dumb
Not the worst idea. Brush up on his swing in an offense friendly park. He can come back.
Have you seen his numbers? He’s been terrible
Mets will make the move if they can steal back a year of control. Not sure if that’s possible but finances first is the Mets’ M.O.
Doesn’t work that way ding dong. Stop trying to be like mikeyank. One nimrod is enough
Excuse me? The Mets ownership has always put finances first which is how they got into Madoff trouble. it was too good to be true. Compared to MikeY? That’s as low as it gets. I hate to be Arragant but your name says it all. Living in a thirty plus year nightmare…
Oh MMMF86, you are so sweet. I guess that you are a direct link to the last glory year and having a hard time with the reality that the Met’s are so pathetic?
What does work that way Ding Dong 86 is that the Mets can do much to ruin a young players confidence. Coupled with their incompetent medical staff leadership (yes–even their brand new 2018 group); they allowed Conforto to return TOO QUICKLY from shoulder surgery.
So rather than get his reps down in Vegas, his muscle memory is now stunted pressing in a weak lineup.
Someone going to get a good bench bat.
Durham Bulls?
Heck, yeah. We’ll take him down in Tampa.
Red Sox. They got Lind. Moreland isnt sustainable and hes already cooling off. WTF they let Hanley walk. DDis the worst GM alive. So bad.
I’m surprised they didn’t do a double release and ax out Reyes as well
They want him to quit, and give the money back.
Why would he do that?
No idea.
What money?
The Mets count their pennies. All of them.
Spoken like a Klan Man.
Cabrera injury and the team’s belief that they can somehow benefit financially have kept Reyes on the roster. I think they envision a retirement day with a packed stadium. LOL.
Jose Reyes needs to lay down just one more Bunt Single then walk away and retire. It won’t win him a batting tile, but it will be as memorable an exit as Roy Hobbs homer off the light stands.
Wow the Mets just released one of their best players
No they didn’t. Gonzalez has been one of their worst.
Best Comment.
Lol I agree.
Yep good job
How has Dominic Smith only hit 2 homers in 55 games in the Pacific Coast League this year?
Because he is a head case. They should try and trade him while they can. He’s got major problems with his swing and eating habits
Can’t swing with a burger in your hand.
Not true! I have chased away many a bird feeder looting squirrel with a Louisville slugger in one hand and a DQP w/ cheese in the other.
Language, Ernie! >:-x
Someone is taking this a little personal.
The guy can’t hit a fastball anymore. Thanks Gonzo. C ya.
Saw him play in the Subway series. His last game as a Met: 0-for-3, with 3K, last game NYY-NYM series, dropping his line to .237, 6 HR, 26 RBI, .299 OBP, and .379 SLG in 54 games.
.373* SLG not .379. >.<
His Mets' opportunity was 169AB, or 184 PA
You’re lucky. Those are Josh Bell numbers who plays every day.
.237 average is literally same. But Bell went 1-for-1, 3 BB, 2 runs today. Now hitting: .241 4 HR, 33 RBI, and same SLG (.373) in nearly 50 at-bats more.
At least Josh Bell has youth? (25 y.o)
I saw Gonzalez in that 14-inning fiasco against the Cubs a week or so ago, and he looked hopeless at the plate. One solid hit but brutal otherwise.
The bricks are fallen…soon enough all AAA will be here amd active roster will be gone or the DL. BTW red Sox need a Morland backup.lol
I think they’re going to give a longer look at Sam Travis, plus his departure from Boston the first time was very messy, he ran his mouth
Team?
Minor league offer; work out his swing and timing. Maybe he gets called back up
When you can’t hit the ball in 54 games, instant DFA. Just a matter of time before Jose Reyes joins A-Gon on the market unless someone signs him.
As a pt. Player he hit better than reyes.
I remember that one guy a couple days ago that said that teams will be “lining up” to trade for Agon.
I hope he retires. The guy had a a great career and I hope to see him doing something else in baseball once he calls it quits.
Assign Smith to the nearest Burger King and call up Peter Alonso.
Did Dominic Smith gain weight back? Last I saw him, he was so much slimmer than last year.
No.
People are just dumb.
I’ve never seen Dominic Smith slim or give the appearance he was any kind of athlete. I thought he looked too out of shape especially for his age.
He had a great career, but I think it’s time for him to hang it up. His back needs it. It’s just a part of life. At this point, he’s just embarrassing himself.
How is Jose Reyes still on this team?
T-shirt sales, maybe.
Lol
Next stop, Minnesota Twins,
He was good in SD. Heard bad teammate comments in LA. No details, but they wouldn’t let him in dugout during series, so something was up. Father Time is undefeated, but no excuse for becoming bad teammate.
He was in the dugout pre game, but by rule he couldn’t be in the dugout during the series. He was on the DL and not on the travel roster. I think the bad teammate persona was somewhat over blown.
Seriously what happened to the Mets? At one point they were doing pretty good. To be honest im shocked my Orioles swept them. Now i see that they are listening on offers for Degrom and Thor. Man i thought it was tough being an O’s fan. I feel for ya Mets fans but don’t worry we still have you beat for worse record lol
Jose Reyes needs to lay down just one more Bunt Single then walk away and retire. It won’t win him a batting tile, but it will be as memorable an exit as Roy Hobbs homer off the light stands.
Why not Peter Alonso?
Smith is already on the 40-man and Alonso isn’t, I’d assume that’s the main reason.
I’m glad my Mutts gave him a chance. Also glad they let him stick around past his birthday. If this is it for him, can’t think of a better place for him to finish up. Lot of good and great players finished with the Mets. Besides being solid player through his prime, he will be remembered as the best player in the Punto trade. Never heard his named mentioned with PEDs either. He will land somewhere before it’s over.
I always suspected Ped use with the huge numbers he put up and I hated him in Boston . Showed little hustle energy or interest
AGon was supposed to be the face of Boston when he was traded there and all he did was whine about various things. He was a cancer and a huge disappointment. C ya.
And yet he put up a paltry OPS+ of 139 during his two seasons with the BoSox. Maybe Boston fans should be reconsidering who is the whiner and the cancer.
AGon whined about the fans, the schedule and the weather. He was part of Chicken and Beer. Stick to LA because you don’t know squat in la la land.
You didn’t need to go that far out of your way to prove my point. We already know that the Boston fans and sports media create a toxic environment.
All anyone really needs to know about Gonzales can be told by running a finger down columns of numbers and looking at his awards shelf. Be assured that whenever Gonzales makes his next appearance in LA, the fans here will give him the warm standing-o that he deserves for all of his good work on the field of play. We’re a lot more interested in that, then whether someone has the right “attitude” to play in our precious city.
Maybe you can retire his jersey and hang it by all those division title banners
Sorry but I must chime in. As die hard Dodger fan, A’gon produced #s no doubt, but he was not a clubhouse favorite or popular with his teammates. He was shipped out of Boston for being a cancer and did little but keep that reputation going as a Dodger. He was known for being rude, lazy, and all about himself. I do miss his bat in his prime, but the Dodger’s are still better without him regardless.
I didn’t mind Gonzalez effort. For what they were paying him, would it have been so bad to keep him to work with Smith? Jay Bruce has much worse production and would save them a lot more money. As would Lagares. And Vargas. and Robles. And Ramos. And what had to happen to unload Cespedes? I actually like the idea of putting done peds in his water. Oh wait. He won’t drink water. Think that may be part of the problem?!?!?
I’d love to see A-Gon back with the Padres on a 1 or 2-year deal as a sub for Hosmer or a bench coach to help bring the young talent into the league. He has always been a professional and understands what it takes to get to the playoffs. It would also be great to see him retire here, in his hometown.
That actually makes some real sense.
+1 good idea
bad idea and not going to happen. He is a rude person, not interested in helping anyone. He was once a great player but no longer. He is not coach-material.
So the Braves are paying him how much? Maybe they should pick him up again at no cost and let him work for his salary. Can’t be any worse than Bautista as a bench player. I haven’t seen a whole lot of production from the Braves bench either.
A-GONE
Was his yearly stats that bad ? They’ve gotta be when the Mets release you. Now they need to do that to David Wright. And finally be off the hook for the rest of his contract.
Adrian Gonzalez was a really good all around player for virtually his entire career. The exception being the last couple seasons, which can be attributed to injuries and age finally catching up to him.
All the people commenting that he is a bad teammate or that he isn’t a coachable player are way off base and misguided. How exactly they came to that conclusion about him is beyond my understanding. While with the Padres and Dodgers, he was known as a great player, teammate and even more well known for his work in the community. I would guess that those who are being critical of him are either Boston fans because he made it public that he wanted out of a cancerous clubhouse environment, or just your typical internet trolls