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New York Mets: Five Holes That Need Filling For 2017

By Steve Contursi

Sep 27, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; A cap and glove sits in the New York Mets dugout during a game against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. The Mets won 8-1. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sport
Sep 27, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; A cap and glove sits in the New York Mets dugout during a game against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. The Mets won 8-1. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sport /
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October 20, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; New York Mets catcher Travis d
October 20, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; New York Mets catcher Travis d /

Travis d’Arnaud has reached the end of the line with the Mets. They know it and he has to know it as well. d’Arnaud came over from the Blue Jays in the deal that sent Cy Young winner R A Dickey to Toronto. A footnote to the deal at the time was the inclusion of Noah Syndergaard coming to the Mets as well.

d’Arnaud was immediately tagged with that got awful word potential. Except that the clock has been ticking now for four years and that’s about all the Mets have left with him – still more potential. He’s been given a chance and then some. But in nearly 1,000 at bats in the majors (the equivalent of two full seasons for a catcher), all he can show is 30 home runs and 102 RBI.

Normally, you might be able to overlook those numbers if you get a solid defensive catcher, but by all accounts the Mets aren’t happy with him in that area as well.

Beyond d’Arnaud, the Mets have Kevin Plewecki (.197 1 HR  in 132 at  bats), and Rene Rivera (.222 6 HR in 185 at bats). Rivera actually ended the season as the regular catcher when manager Terry Collins finally gave d’Arnaud a much deserved seat on the bench. But clearly, there are no answers here.

There are probably15 free agent catchers available, but by my count only one of them is under 30, the exception being Jonathan Lucroy who the Mets had a chance at in July at the deadline, but seemingly chose to pass on him and he went to the Rangers.

So Sandy, you’ve got yourself a nice little problem to deal with here. But here’s some good news and this one’s a no brainer……..

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