New York Mets Rumors: Five potential Queens-bound trade options
By Paul Ashley
The New York Mets received very little production from their collection of catchers last season. Although this was mainly due to a season ending injury to their expected starting catcher, the team would benefit from a catching upgrade.
The Miami Marlins are still in the midst of a transition period as the new ownership group continues to revamp the franchise. Even though the team has held on to J.T. Realmuto, it is very likely that he would be available with the right offer.
Last season, Realmuto compiled a slash-line of .277/.340/.484 alongside 54 extra-base hits (XBH), 74 runs batted in (RBI), and 74 runs scored (R). During his 5th MLB season, he also earned his first All-Star game appearance.
Travis d’Arnaud is expected to be ready for opening day after missing the bulk of last season following Tommy John surgery. Although he put together a respectable slash-line of .244/.293/.443 alongside 36 XBHs, 57 RBI, and 39 Rs in 2017, it would make sense for the Mets to pursue an upgrade at catcher.
Despite playing 112 games in 2017 and 108 games in 2014, d’Arnaud only played in 67 games in 2015 and 75 games in 2016. During this time, his on-base percentage (OBP) and slugging percentage (SLG) also fluctuated. He held a .302 OBP with a .416 SLG in 2014, a .340 OBP with a .485 SLG in 2015, a .307 OBP with a .323 SLG in 2016, and the aforementioned .293 OBP with a .443 SLG in 2017.
Due to the inconsistency of his games played and his offensive production, the Mets could likely inquire about the availability of Realmuto. The Marlins would require a large return for their star catcher, but it would be worth paying a large price to acquire an All-Star catching upgrade with numerous years of team control remaining.