Santo Domingo.– Dominican Gilbert Gómez, current manager of the Tigres del Licey, attributed to the Dominican Republic’s autumn-winter league a large part of his preparation to assume his new role as first base coach and outfield coach for the New York Mets in Major League Baseball.
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Gómez, 33 years old, expressed deep gratitude to God, his family, and the New York organization for the trust placed in his work. He pointed out that the experience accumulated in winter baseball has been decisive in reaching this important step in his career.“The winter league has been the platform that has taught me the most and prepared me to be where God has me right now, which is in the Major Leagues,” said the blue coach.
A promotion forged in multiple roles
Known for his mastery of advanced analytics and statistics, Gómez managed the Brooklyn Cyclones this year, the Mets’ Advanced A affiliate, leading them to the South Atlantic League championship, their first title since entering that circuit and the third in franchise history. He recalled that his path within the organization began at the age of 16, when he was signed as a professional player. After seven seasons and reaching Double-A, he made the leap to development as a coach in 2018.“The Mets have given me the opportunity to keep growing, doing different roles… I started as a batting coach in the Summer League and since then I have held several positions within the organization,” he explained.
The call that marked a before and after
Gómez shared that he received the news of his promotion through a call from the Mets manager, Carlos Mendoza, a moment he describes as unforgettable.The call surprised him just as he entered the Quisqueya Juan Marichal Stadium, where he took a few minutes to process the news with his wife. Since then, he assures that congratulatory messages have not stopped arriving.“You are going to be with me here. Congratulations, you earned the position; we are not giving it to you, you have earned it,” he recalled Mendoza saying.
A Rising Technician
In 2025, Gómez was the manager of the Breakout Game during the MLB preseason, facing Héctor Borg, who is also part of the Licey coaching staff. His experience also includes roles as a batting coach and third base coach in the Dominican selection that won the bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.“Every day is a new scenario. But this free day is a moment to reflect on what one has been able to do and on the people who have contributed to make this possible,” he expressed.
