Gomez signs contract with Mets

Outfielder Carlos Gomez signed a minor-league contract with the New York Mets and joined the team at spring training on Thursday. "My goal is to be a part of this team. Make the team and help," Gomez said.

Gomez has played 12 big-league seasons and had other offers to begin his 13th, he said Thursday. The 33-year-old hit .208 with nine home runs on a one-year deal with the Tampa Bay Rays last season. This would be a second tour with the Mets for Gomez, who made his MLB debut with the team in 2007 and has also played for the Brewers, Rangers, Twins and Astros.