Brewers sign outfielder Carlos Gomez to a three-year extension

The Milwaukee Brewers signed outfielder?Carlos Gomez today to a three-year contract extension through the 2016 season.  The announcement was made by President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Doug Melvin.

"We are happy that Carlos has decided to remain a Brewer for a number of years," said Melvin.  "He has always had the physical skills, and his recent performance has given us the confidence that he will take the next step in becoming one of the top center fielders in the game.  His energy, speed and aggressive style of play is a perfect fit for Ron Roenicke's style of managing."

Gomez, 27, who would have been eligible for free agency following this season, batted .260 with 19 HR, 51 RBI and 37 stolen bases in 137 games in 2012.  He made 98 starts, all in center field.  He batted .281 (66-for-235) with 14 HR and 33 RBI over his last 67 games last season and is batting .529 (9-for-17, 1hr, 1rbi) this spring.

In 2012, Gomez was one of just five players in the Major Leagues with 15+ home runs and 30+ stolen bases, joining teammate Ryan Braun, Mike Trout (Angels), B.J. Upton (Rays) and Jimmy Rollins (Phillies).  Since joining the Brewers in 2010, Gomez is 71-for-82 in stolen base attempts.  His success rate of 86.6% trails only Coco Crisp (120-for-136, 88.2%) in the Major Leagues by anyone with at least 70 stolen bases during this period.

Gomez was selected to the Dominican Republic provisional roster for the 2013 World Baseball Classic, but elected not to play.