New York Mets Offseason Free Agent Target: Wilson Ramos

This offseason, the New York Mets may want to consider adding a new catcher. Near the top of the list is Wilson Ramos.

When the New York Mets wrap up the unforgettable 2018 season, they will look to correct many mistakes. One of those errors was their attempt to fill the catcher spot with Travis d’Arnaud and Kevin Plawecki.

The disastrous decision due to injury created a near automatic out for several weeks early in the year, forcing Mets fans everywhere to use their birthday wish on the team finding a better catcher.

In the offseason, the Mets have several free agents to look at. Near the top of the list is Wilson Ramos.

We already have and will continue to see Ramos a few times this year as a member of the Philadelphia Phillies. We already know him well from his years with the Washington Nationals. The veteran backstop went from a suitable backup to an All-Star in recent years. If the Mets get him next year, they will surely upgrade behind the plate, too.

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For three years now, Ramos has been an effective offensive player. He missed a large portion of 2017 due to an injury suffered in late 2016. When he did return, Ramos gave the Tampa Bay Rays good power and solid production at the plate.

This year, Ramos has been even better. He may finish close to the slash numbers he posted in 2016 which completed with him batting .307/.354/.496. This is a great number for anyone let alone a catcher.

Ramos brings more than offense to the field. In all but 2017, Ramos finished the year with a positive WAR on defense. Although his caught stealing totals haven’t been wonderful in recent years, he is no doubt better than anyone else we’ve seen regularly behind the plate for the Flushing 25 in recent years.

There’s a good chance Ramos enters free agency as the top catcher available. A lot will depend on how he finishes the year.

However, even if he slumps, someone will pay Ramos a handsome salary. Fortunately for the Mets, it shouldn’t be out of their price range.

Ramos is good, but he’s not an automatic All-Star. Teams will target him. The thing about catchers to remember is that not everyone needs a guy to put on the mask.

Plenty of quality ball clubs are secure at the catching position and aren’t even in the conversation when it comes to guys like Ramos. This is good news in their pursuit of a more promising 2019. Fewer teams mean a better chance at acquiring him.

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Should the Mets go after Ramos this winter? If not him, who do you want to see start behind the plate on Opening Day.