New York Mets should look to Miguel Montero
The New York Mets catching situation is currently in dire straits. In their quest to find a healthy backstop, Miguel Montero could be an answer.
it has been a rough few days for the New York Mets in regards to the catcher situation. First, Travis d’Arnaud partially tore his ulnar collateral ligament, and will undergo Tommy John surgery. Then, just as Kevin Plawecki had a chance to seize the job for himself, but ended up with a hairline fracture in his left hand and will be shelved for a month. Now, the Mets are forced to rely upon Jose Lobaton and prospect Tomas Nido. Nido, however, has just 11 plate appearances above the AA level, all of which have come in the major leagues.
Given the state of the Mets catching situation, it would make sense that they would be on the lookout for a depth option with more of a proven track record. A player who has had success in the majors before. A catcher like…Miguel Montero, who was recently designated for assignment by the Washington Nationals.
I really, really wouldn't expect the Mets to make a big move at catcher, like a J.T. Realmuto type, but a smaller move now has to become more likely: a claim for a guy like Miguel Montero, for example, whom the Nationals DFA'd this week, makes a lot of sense. Stay tuned.
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) April 13, 2018
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Montero did not exactly have a great start to the year with Washington. He failed to get a hit in his 13 plate appearances, drawing two walks and striking out three times. Those struggles even extended to the defensive side, where he was considered to have cost the Nationals a run in his 27 innings behind the plate. As Montero is turning 35 years old this year, one has to wonder what he has left in the tank.
Those struggles this season follow a rough performance over the past two seasons. Following his All Star performance in 2015, he produced a combined .216/.320/.352 batting line, hitting 14 doubles and 14 homers. His defense has been atrocious, as he has cost his teams 20 runs over exactly 162 games. Montero has also thrown out only 9.3% of would be basestealers, as his former strong arm has disappeared.
However, the cost to bring in Montero would be negligible. He is likely on his last legs, more of a veteran presence that could potentially mentor Nido than anything else at this point. Yet, he does still have a bit of power, and may find himself rejuvenated on a team that has gotten off to an excellent start to the year.
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The New York Mets need help at catcher. Miguel Montero, at a minimal cost, could be an option.