Astros add Carlos Gomez, Mike Fiers in trade

The Milwaukee Brewers traded outfielder Carlos Gomez and right-hander Mike Fiers to the Houston Astros, CBS MLB Insider Jon Heyman first reported Thursday night.

A day after another deal involving Gomez failed to be completed with the Mets — much to the embarrassment of all parties involved — Brewers general manager Doug Melvin pivoted and sent him to the upstart Astros.

Gomez, 29, has been one of the premier speed-power outfielders in the majors over the past three-plus seasons. He’s signed through the 2016 season, and is set to make $9 million next season, along with what’s left of the $8 million he’s making in 2015.

Gomez came in batting .262 with a .751 on-base plus slugging percentage, along with eight home runs and seven stolen bases. He has played through minor lower-body injuries this season, and Gomez’s current health came into question Wednesday night after a trade with the Mets fell through, reportedly, because New York didn’t like what it read in medical reports during the final stages of the transaction. Word of the deal had gone public, however, which made for an uncomfortable night for Wilmer Flores of the Mets. It also put Gomez, along with his agent, Scott Boras, on the defensive about his physical condition.

The Astros seem to have no concerns:

What about the pitcher? Fiers, 30, has been an effective starter since breaking in full-time in 2012, but he’s also been subject to occasional injuries (though not this season). He has posted a 3.89 ERA with a 121-43 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 118 innings over 21 starts.

The Astros also recently added Scott Kazmir to their rotation from the Athletics. Following several heavily losing seasons, the Astros are in the thick of the pennant chase, posting a 57-45 record in the AL West, good enough to lead the Angels by a game heading into play Thursday.

And what about the return from Houston?

Further:

The Astros also get cash considerations with the international signing slot.

More to come on this deal.

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