In late July, the Mets nearly traded Wilmer Flores and Zack Wheeler to the Brewers for Carlos Gomez, but nixed the deal due to health concerns relating to Gomez.
Flores learned of the trade during the game on July 29 from teammates and fans, but the front office never informed them or Terry Collins a deal was close or done.
“When I came in, they told me there was no trade,” according to Flores, who says he was happy to be staying with the only organization he’s ever played for. “Sometimes I still think about that trade, and I think, ‘Where would I be now if I had been traded?’ If that happened, I’d have gone to play in Milwaukee and then I’d go home and be watching the World Series.”
Two days later, the Mets traded for Yoenis Cespedes and began a crucial series with the Nationals. Flores’ walk-off home run set the tone for the three-game sweep and propelled the Mets to a strong push at the end of the year, during which they sailed past the Nationals and won the NL East for the first time since 2006.
Flores hit .296 with six home runs and 19 RBI after the failed trade. He’s batting .292 with a .370 OBP during the playoffs, during which he resumed being the team’s starting second baseman after Dodgers 2B Chase Utley broke Ruben Tejada‘s leg in the NLDS.
“It’s amazing to be here,” Flores said Sunday. “This is what you work for. First of all, you want to get to the big leagues. Once you’re here, you want to make it to the World Series.”
Matthew Cerrone
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I’m glad Wilmer is in there. If you recall, the entire offseason was dominated with discussion about Flores. Could he be an everyday shortstop? Should the Mets upgrade? If so, for whom? If not, can Wilmer hit enough to offset his fielding? In the end, he was given the job, yet the team reportedly came inches from trading him in late July. Then, after all that, he was sent back to second base to fill in for Daniel Murphy, who was filling in for David Wright. Then, after Wright returned, Wilmer went back to shortstop. He was national story because he cried on field. Then, he was on fire, hitting like a machine. Then, back to the bench in favor of Tejada’s defense. Now, starting at shortstop. It’s been a wild, roller-coaster season for Wilmer, who, at only 24-years-old, will be team’s starting shortstop in World Series, which is exactly where he wanted to be all along. I hope he comes through big, because he’s earned it…
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