While much of the sporting world was watching 40-year-old ageless wonder and future Hall of Fame New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady almost single-handedly decimate the Tennessee Titans in the NFL Divisional playoffs on Saturday night, another aging veteran was also making headlines.

During that lopsided 35-14 football game, it was being widely reported that former Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, who will be 36 years old on May 8, 2018, had reached a one-year deal with the New York Mets.

Although there has been no official confirmation by the Mets or from AGon himself, nor has the amount of the reported one-year contract been released yet, it appears to be a done deal pending a physical of the popular San Diego, California native and number one overall draft pick in 2000 by the (then) Florida Marlins.

As Dodger fans know, Gonzalez was part of a five-player trade on December 16, 2017 that sent he, left-hander Scott Kazmir, right-hander Brandon McCarthy, utility infielder Charlie Culberson and cash considerations to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for former Dodger Matt Kemp in what was clearly a salary dump by both teams. In fact, even before the ink was dry on the deal, the Braves designated Gonzalez for assignment, thus immediately making him a free agent even though he is still owed $21.5 million for the 2018 season.

The veteran first baseman and huge fan favorite had lost his everyday job to eventual 2017 National League Rookie of the Year Cody Bellinger, after which AGon waived his no-trade clause hoping to land a job with another MLB team; hence his signing with the Mets.

Even though Gonzalez is in the twilight of his outstanding 14-year MLB career, he still managed to slug three home runs in the 71 games in which he appeared in 2017. (Video capture courtesy of SportsNet LA).

Late in 2017, the Mets called up top first base prospect Dominic Smith as September call-up. Unfortunately, the 22-year-old Los Angeles, California native and Mets 2013 first-round draft pick out of Junípero Serra High School in Gardena, California did little to impresse Mets general manager Sandy Alderson. In fact, during the recently concluded winter meetings in Orlando, Florida, Alderson said that Smith “…didn’t win [the job] in September.” As such, it was no secret that the team from Queens was actively looking for a suitable first baseman while Smith continues in his development; and let’s face it, what better teacher than a guy who has been doing it for 14 years and has four Gold Gloves at the position?

As noted, even though the amount of AGon’s contract with the Mets has yet to be announced (but undoubtedly will be later today), many believe that it will be at or near to the 2018 MLB minimum of $545,000. But don’t feel too bad for the popular former Dodger, this will be in addition to the $21.5 million that he will receive from the Braves for the 2018 season whether he plays or not.

Stay tuned…