New York Mets Acquire Gary Matthews Jr., Trade Brian Stokes

The New York Mets have sent Brian Stokes packing and in that trade they’ve acquired fielder Gary Matthews Jr. from the Los Angeles Angels.

Under the agreement the Angels will pay $21.5 million of $25 million to Matthews over the next two years, adding up to a steal for the Mets at $1.25 million per season.

According to Mets officials, Matthews Jr. will more than likely be used as a back-up player to Angel Pagan, who will be filling in at Center field for Carlos Beltran who will miss the start of the season after having undergone knee surgery.

The move also ensures a proper backup stands behind Pagan, who himself has a history of injuries.

According to Mets management, they weren’t satisfied with any other back-ups and the cost of less than $2 million per season made Matthews the best choice for the job, although they did lose a pitcher in the mix, so I’m still a bit confused.

Over the last two seasons Matthews is .245 with a 6 homeruns, 45 RBIs and a few injuries himself (ankle, back, hamstring). [MetsBlog]