Indians trade All-Star Gomes to Nats for prospects

CLEVELAND >> The Indians traded one of their big arms — from behind the plate

Cleveland, which has discussed moving right-handers Corey Kluber, Trevor Bauer and Carlos Carrasco in possible trades while restructuring its payroll, dealt All-Star catcher Yan Gomes to the Washington Nationals on Friday night.

In return, the three-time defending AL Central champions got outfielder Daniel Jonson, right-hander Jefry Rodriguez and a player to be named. Team president Chris Antonetti called Johnson and Rodriguez “upperlevel prospects” who should be able to help the Indians in the next few seasons.

The Gomes deal is unlikely to be the last move this offseason by the Indians, who followed up another strong regular season stretch run with a disappointing performance in the playoffs.

“We’re focused on trying to build a team that’s capable of winning another American League Central Division title in

2019 but is also positioned for success beyond that,” he said.

Gomes has been a steady player — one and off the field — for Cleveland since coming over from Toronto in 2012. The

31-year-old had one of his best offensive seasons in 2018, batting

.266 with a career-high 26 doubles, 16 homers and 48 RBIs in

112 games.

He was also excellent behind the plate and got selected an AL All-Star for the first time.

Gomes will make $7 million next season and his contract includes club options for 2020 at

$9 million with a $1 million buyout and for 2021 at $11 million.

Richards joining Padres

SAN DIEGO >> Free agent pitcher Garrett Richards says on Twitter that he’s joining the rebuilding San Diego Padres.

Multiple reports indicate the right-hander has agreed to a two-year contract worth about $15 million. Richards had reconstructive elbow surgery in July while with the Angels.

The move apparently is with an eye toward 2020, when the Padres expect to be competitive.

White Sox acquire Colome from Mariners

CHICAGO >> Reliever Alex Colome was acquired by the White Sox from the payroll-shedding Seattle Mariners for catcher Omar Narvaez.

Colome has 96 saves in six seasons with Tampa Bay and Seattle, earned $5.3 million this year and is eligible for salary arbitration.

Narvaez, 26, hit .275 with nine homers and 30 RBIs last season, his third with the White Sox.