Mets minor leaguers we can expect to fight for a roster spot in Spring Training

Ali Sanchez

One of the Mets needs coming into this offseason that has yet to be addressed was acquiring a new backup catcher. Last season that role on the team was filled by Tomas Nido, who was a fine defensive catcher, however, batted a messily .191 at the plate over the course of 50 games.

While I expect Nido to enter Spring Training in that role once again, the Mets surely should bring in someone to compete with him for the job. There are several free agents who can be invited to compete. However, they do have an intriguing in-house option as well, and his name is Ali Sanchez.

Sanchez was signed by New York back in 2013 as an international free agent when he was 16 years old, and has slowly worked his way up their farm system.

Sanchez has been known as a terrific defensive player throughout his minor league career, but also has shown ability to hit for average at the plate. In 2019, he had a very solid year at the plate for Double-A Binghamton, batting .278 with a .337 OBP.

While the game is played at a much different level in Double-A, it’s not unheard of for players to be called up to the big leagues directly from there. Limited competition for Sanchez within the organization could provide him the opportunity he needs to skip a minor league level.

Sanchez’s 2019 should surely warrant a look in the upcoming Spring Training. If he outperforms Nido at the dish, he could offer the Mets an upgrade behind Wilson Ramos.

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Which Spring Training position battles are you most excited for?