Travis d’Arnaud: The Mets’ Difference-Maker in 2017
If the New York Mets want to compete with the Nationals for the NL East title, they’ll need production from their entire roster. Catcher Travis d’Arnaud needs to step up this season for the club.
The New York Mets reached the postseason in both 2015 and 2016. In 2015, they fell short to the Kansas City Royals in the World Series. While in 2016, the San Francisco Giants eliminated the Mets in the Wild Card Game. The Mets succeeded in both seasons without full production from their whole team.
With their pitching staff healthy and ready to go in 2017, they need some offensive production to help their talented and young staff. Mets catcher Travis d’Arnaud needs to bounce back this season after a rough 2016.
MLB.com’s Mets beat writer Anthony DiComo tweeted about d’Arnaud’s success so far this spring during the Mets’ 8-2 win over the Miami Marlins on Monday.
Travis d'Arnaud goes deep again for the Mets. He's batting .474 this spring with two home runs and a double.
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) March 6, 2017
In 20 at-bats this Spring Training, d’Arnaud has a slash line of .450/.450/.800 with nine hits including two home runs, a double and four RBI. The Mets need this production from d’Arnaud throughout the 2017 season.
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Last season, d’Arnaud strained his rotator cuff in late April and didn’t return until June 21. The catcher has suffered from injuries his entire professional career. He hasn’t played more than 106 games in a season so far in his four-year major league career.
In the 75 games d’Arnaud played in last year, he hit just .247 with four home runs and 15 RBI. A disappointing season compared to his previous two.
Despite only playing in 67 games in 2015, d’Arnaud hit 12 home runs and drove in 41 RBI while hitting .268. He played a key role in the Mets’ regular season success that led to their great playoff run. He also had a good rookie year in 2014. His average remained low at .242, but he produced at the plate with 13 home runs and 41 RBI.
With a new season on the horizon and d’Arnaud looking healthy behind the dish, the Mets need a breakout season from him. Imagine the success the Mets could produce with a strong offense to back up their pitching staff. A staff that includes Noah Syndergaard, Jacob deGrom, Matt Harvey, Steven Matz and Robert Gsellman.
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The offense tied for fifth-worst in average in 2016. Although the team finished fifth-best in home runs among MLB teams, that didn’t help run production. They ranked 22nd in RBI and 25th in runs scored.
If the Mets want the NL East crown and another shot at the World Series trophy, they’ll need the offense to do their part. It’s time for d’Arnaud to take a step forward.