MLB: Mets Deal for Gary Matthews, Jr.
Just days after Carlos Beltran revealed to the Mets that he had arthroscopic knee surgery and may not be ready by opening day the team went out and acquired Gary Matthews, Jr. from the Los Angeles Angels for relief pitcher Brian Stokes.
The move was made with the anticipation that Beltran will start the year on the disabled list and will give the team some added depth in the outfield. It is, however, a curious one how well Angel Pagan played for them in spot duty last season. Pagan hit .306 with a .837 OPS and stole 14 bases in 88 games for the Mets last season.
How desperate were the Angels to unload Matthews? They are taking back a middle-of-the road reliever in Stokes and agreeing to pay $21 million of the remaining $23 million left on the last two years of Matthews’ contract. They are essentially paying the Mets to take Matthews off their hands.
