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

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.