New York Mets cut the cord on Travis d’Arnaud

The New York Mets have finally moved on from Travis d’Arnaud, designating him for assignment on Sunday.

During the offseason, the New York Mets decision to tender Travis d’Arnaud a contract was relatively surprising. Although he only cost $3.515 million in his final season of arbitration, it was expected that d’Arnaud would be sent on his way, especially with the signing of Wilson Ramos, and catchers Tomas Nido and Devin Mesoraco on the roster.

Now, with a month having passed in the season, the Mets have decided to move on. d’Arnaud has been designated for assignment, with Nido coming to the majors to take his place.

There was a time when d’Arnaud was one of the top catching prospects in the game. He was part of the haul received for R.A. Dickey, expected to join Noah Syndergaard as a building block for the Mets going forward.

More from Call to the Pen

• Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
• Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
• Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
• Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
• 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals

For two years, that looked to be the case. In 2014 and 2015, d’Armaud combined for a .252/.317/.442 batting line, hitting 25 homers and 36 doubles. However, injuries ruined what appeared to be his ascension to being a solid major league backstop, as he has produced a meager .239/.292/.381 batting line with 21 homers and 26 doubles since.

This season has been especially difficult for d’Arnaud. Firmly in the role of the Mets backup catcher, he did not exactly force their hand to provide him more playing time. In 25 plate appearances, he had two hits, drawing two walks and striking out five times. He was rated below average defensively, costing the Mets a run behind the plate.

It will be interesting to see if another team claims the former top prospect. It was not that long ago when d’Arnaud showed promise, and at 30 years old, there is still the chance he can be a viable major league asset. Perhaps he just needs a change of scenery.

Travis d’Arnaud is likely to get a chance to prove he can be a major league asset somewhere. It just will not be with the New York Mets.