Catcher Yan Gomes is shipped to Washington

The Indians on Nov. 30 traded catcher Yan Gomes to the Washington Nationals for two minor-league players.

The Indians have to give up something to get something, and on Nov. 30 they traded All-Star catcher Yan Gomes to the Washington Nationals for a player they hope will be their right fielder in years to come.

In the deal first reported by Jon Heyman of Fancred Sports, the Indians acquired minor-league right fielder Daniel Johnson, a 2015 fifth-round pick by the Nationals, known best for his speed on the bases.

Johnson, 23, spent most 2018 with the AA Harrison Senators, a farm team of the Nationals in the Eastern League. He hit .267 with six home runs and 21 steals last season. He is projected to spend most of 2019 with the Indians Triple-A in Columbus.

Gomes was the Indians’ primary catcher last season. He played in 112 games. He homered 16 times and drove in 48 runs while batting .266. He struck out 119 times and walked 21 times.

The trade clears the way for Roberto Perez to be the Indians primary catcher.

The trade for Daniels does not solve the Indians immediate outfield needs. Left fielder Michael Brantley is a free agent, center fielder Bradley Zimmer is recovering from shoulder surgery and right fielders Melky Cabrera are free agents. So is outfielder Brandon Guyer.

Leonys Martin and Tyler Naquin are expected to occupy two outfield spots next season.

MICHAEL DWYER - ASSOCIATED PRESS Yan Gomes was traded to the Washington Nationals on Nov. 30.