Reds trade Gomes to Nats, promote Alonso

It was clear from the moment he was drafted that prospect Yonder Alonso’s bat would eventually force the Reds’ hand into getting him to the Major Leagues.

That time came on Tuesday when the Reds traded veteran left fielder Jonny Gomes to the Nationals for two Minor League players. In a corresponding move, Alonso—a left fielder and first baseman—was recalled from Triple-A Louisville.

“We actually had a couple of clubs that inquired about Jonny’s services, but Washington was probably the most persistent,” Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said. “For us, it’s a tough move to make in some ways. Jonny was a big part of our club last year and he’s obviously a guy we all think highly of as a person and as a player. It gives us an opportunity now to bring up a player like Alonso and start looking at some of our younger guys that we feel we need to give an opportunity to.”

...Speaking to reporters while his now former teammates played the Mets, Gomes expressed surprise about the trade but also understood.

“This is a results-driven industry, if you will,” Gomes said. “When the results aren’t there, it might be time to move.”

Thanks to The Sultan of Swat McCabe.