New York Mets: Three Wilson Ramos predictions for the 2020 season

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PORT ST. LUCIE, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 20: Wilson Ramos #40 of the New York Mets looks on during the team workout at Clover Park on February 20, 2020 in Port St. Lucie, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /

What can we expect from New York Mets catcher Wilson Ramos in 2020?

The New York Mets begin the 2020 season with the most important thing a team can have: legitimate hope for the year.

The franchise boasts an excellent balance between dominant pitching and exciting offensive firepower. While stars like Pete Alonso, Jeff McNeil, and Michael Conforto get the lion’s share of the attention, there is one additional hitter that is expected to make a major impact on the offense: catcher Wilson Ramos.

Ramos is coming off a season where he produced some solid offensive numbers which only got better in the latter part of the summer when he seemed to be his best. What does the 2020 season have in store for The Buffalo? Let’s make some predictions.

Ramos Records a .290+ Average and 75+ RBI

This prediction captures the essence of what makes Ramos a valuable puzzle piece. After years of starting middling talent like Kevin Plawecki, Travis d’Arnaud, and John Buck, the team has finally found a legitimately dangerous hitter at the catcher position.

Ramos finished the 2019 campaign with an impressive 73 RBI, 14 home runs, and a .288 batting average. These numbers are fairly standard for the journeyman’s career. While “The Buffalo” is just outside the group of elite catchers (such as J.T. Realmuto, Yasmani Grandal, Gary Sanchez, or Willson Contreras), he is comfortably in the second tier.

While his defense has been an issue throughout his career, he has always been a capable and dangerous hitter. And there is no reason to assume that will stop with the turning of the decade. Ramos, who holds a career .275 average has actually shown signs of improvement in each of the past three seasons. Additionally, he has even hit above the hallowed .300 mark twice in his tenure in the major leagues (2016 and 2018).

The only thing that as a realistic chance of keeping Ramos from approaching and surpassing these marks would be issues with injuries. While the catcher has been very effective as a hitter, he does have a reputation with health issues. The worst of these setbacks, an ACL tear in 2016, was a major turning point in his career.

However, Ramos was able to play in a career-high 141 games in his first season with the Mets. Fans in Flushing will be pulling hard for a repeat performance in 2020. If he is able to stay on the field, Ramos should reach these statistical goals. He should even earn some consideration as an All-Star.

PHILADELPHIA, PA – AUGUST 31: Closer Seth Lugo #67 is congratulated by catcher Wilson Ramos #40 after defeating the Philadelphia Phillies 6-3 in a game at Citizens Bank Park on August 31, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

Ramos Develops a Better Rapport with the Pitching Staff

In all honesty, this isn’t as bold a prediction as some may think. The catcher’s reputation took a considerable hit after star pitcher Noah Syndergaard publicly requested not to work with Ramos.

Ramos’ 5.20 ERA with Thor was cause for concern. To be fair, most of these issues go beyond chemistry. Ramos is a poor defender. And Thor has struggled with containing base runners his entire career.

However, the two seemed to show good chemistry together after a recent Spring Training game. While exhibition matches are far different than games with real stakes attached, this was certainly an encouraging sign.

Even if Ramos takes a day off in Syndergaard’s starts so he can work with a personal catcher, the backstop will still have ample opportunity to make an impact with the rest of the pitching staff. In fact, he was able to post respectable numbers with both Jacob deGrom (2.39 ERA) and Marcus Stroman (3.74 ERA).

The catcher has also reportedly been intentional about getting in as many reps as possible with newcomer Rick Porcello. If Spring Training is any indication, the two seem to be developing good chemistry.

Ramos also has the benefit of experience on his side in 2020. Despite his status as a seasoned veteran, Ramos had to build a rapport from scratch last season. This time around, he has the benefit of a full season working with deGrom and Steven Matz. He also recorded half a season with Stroman after the blockbuster deadline deal with brought him to Flushing. While the connection with Syndergaard may never pan out, there’s no reason to think that Ramos can’t work well with the rest of the staff.

NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 08: Wilson Ramos #40 of the New York Mets in action against the Philadelphia Phillies during a game at Citi Field on September 8, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

Ramos Returns to the All-Star Game

The veteran catcher currently has two All-Star appearances to his name. He made the team in 2016 during his last season with the Washington Nationals and again in 2018 as a member of the Tampa Bay Rays.

To be fair, Ramos does have staunch competition in the National League. Last season, the NL carried a total of three catchers on the roster. They also had three in 2018, with only two being included on the 2017 team. They must carry at least three for Ramos to have a chance.

Barring a significant early-season injury, it’s safe to assume that J.T. Realmuto and Willson Contreras will be the top contenders for the first two spots. Contreras was named the starter last season, while Realmuto is quietly considered to the best player at his position.

However, an offseason transaction may have left the door open for Ramos. The fact that Yasmani Grandal has moved from the NL Brewers to the AL White Sox leaves a potential space vacant. While fellow veterans Yadier Molina and Omar Narvaez will push for contention, Ramos should have an edge going into the season.

While Ramos’ individual performance will go a long way in helping secure his spot on the roster, there is another important factor: overall team success. As a universal rule across sports, teams with a better record have the best chance of having multiple All-Stars selected.

If the Mets are able to meet their expectations by going into the All-Star break as leaders in the NL East, it will significantly boost Ramos’ chance of making the team.

Next. Three Michael Wacha predictions for 2020

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What can we expect from New York Mets catcher Wilson Ramos in 2020?

Ramos Records a .290+ Average and 75+ RBI

Ramos Develops a Better Rapport with the Pitching Staff

Ramos Returns to the All-Star Game

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