New York Mets: Top three offseason catcher targets ranked

#1 J.T. Realmuto

Based on his 2018 performance, Realmuto has proven himself to be one of the best catchers in the majors. The 2018 All-Star slashed .277/.340/.484 this season and led all catchers with a .828 OPS and 4.9 WAR. His 127 wRC+ was second behind just Wilson Ramos.

He hit 30 doubles, 21 home runs, and 74 RBIs in 531 PA and grounded into just nine double plays, compared to Wilson Ramos who grounded into 20 in more than 100 fewer PA.

Realmuto is both an offensive and defensive wizard: his caught-stealing percentage this season of .382 was the second best in the majors, and he is also the second fastest catcher in the league at getting the ball to second base.

This has to be an eye-opening statistic for the Mets, as their starting rotation allowed 218 stolen bags over the last two seasons. At 27 years old, Realmuto is just entering his prime, and acquiring young, talented players is something the Mets need to take advantage of. Signing Realmuto this offseason will bolster this Mets lineup that is lacking a hot, right-handed bat.

Realmuto is definitely the best man for the job but if the Mets cannot work something out with him, they need to turn to Ramos or Grandal. Ramos and Grandal both have their flaws but any of these three catchers is a much better option than the mess of a situation the Mets have behind the plate right now.

The Mets have many issues they need to address during the offseason, but many argue the catching situation is the one they should start with.

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Acquiring a consistent catcher who is solid both offensively and defensively will only lead to good things and will allow the Mets to continue to bolster their roster.