New York Mets trio of catchers more than they appear
The New York Mets may carry three catchers on the 25 man roster. However, that trio of catchers is not quite what they appear to be.
The catcher position was an utter disaster for the New York Mets last season. Five different players suited up behind the plate, as manager Mickey Callaway sought anything resembling competence at the position. However, those five players produced a combined .208/.297/.355 batting line; their combined .652 OPS ahead of only the Nationals and Diamondbacks in the National League.
Understandably, catcher was a priority for the Mets this offseason. The addition of Wilson Ramos has solidified their situation behind the plate, while adding some needed punch to the lineup. Between the Rays and Phillies, Ramos produced a .306/.358/.487 batting line, numbers that put the flotsam that New York trotted out to shame.
While Ramos has a stranglehold on the starting job, he will occasionally need a day off. However, the Mets may not have just a single backup catcher on the 25 man roster. Instead, they are considering carrying three catchers come Opening Day.
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However, that trio of catchers is not quite what it would seem. Devin Mesoraco, who returned on a minor league contract, had emerged as Jacob deGrom‘s personal catcher. In the 25 starts deGrom made after Mesoraco was acquired via trade, he was behind the plate for 21 of them. Considering deGrom’s impressive season, it is understandable that the Mets would want to keep that tandem together.
That leaves Travis d’Arnaud, who appeared in only four games last season as he required Tommy John surgery. However, when healthy, he is capable of playing first and left field. That versatility makes him more of an Isiah Kiner-Falefa type than a regular third string catcher.
Normally, teams do not carry three catchers, excluding extenuating circumstances. For the Mets, those three catchers would each serve a specific role on the team, from being a personal catcher to being more of a utility man than a true backup behind the plate.
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The New York Mets may carry three catchers in terms of primary position. However, that trio of backstops would be more than they would seem to be at first glance.