Rising Apple
FanSided

Mets: Is J.T. Realmuto or Michael Conforto a bigger priority this offseason?

By Adrian Cervantes

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Michael Conforto #30 of the New York Mets in action against the Baltimore Orioles at Citi Field on September 09, 2020 in New York City. New York Mets defeated the Baltimore Orioles 7-6. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Michael Conforto #30 of the New York Mets in action against the Baltimore Orioles at Citi Field on September 09, 2020 in New York City. New York Mets defeated the Baltimore Orioles 7-6. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
Mets
PHILADELPHIA, PA – AUGUST 15: J.T. Realmuto #10 of the Philadelphia Phillies plays catcher during a game against the New York Mets at Citizens Bank Park on August 15, 2020 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies won 6-2. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images) /

Signing J.T. Realmuto as the highest-paid catcher in baseball

Since Steve Cohen had been announced as a candidate for the role of the New York Mets’ next owner, Mets fans have pointed to one potential free agent this offseason that the Mets should target with the potential money that the front office will have to spend. It’s no secret the Mets have been long coveting a catcher with both the offensive and defensive prowess that J.T. Realmuto possesses and there is no better fit this offseason than Realmuto.

We all know that Realmuto will want to be the highest-paid catcher in baseball, and rightfully so. Realmuto is only a two time Silver Slugger Award recipient, a Gold Glove winner, and a two-time All-Star. Therefore he won’t come cheap.

But the price is certainly worth the investment as Realmuto can lengthen this already deep Mets starting lineup, and significantly improve their defense which is an area that they have struggled behind the plate this season.

That also doesn’t go without saying that the Mets are going to have a glaring hole at catcher this offseason, as it is highly unlikely both Wilson Ramos and Robinson Chirinos return next season. The Mets will need an upgrade at the catching position next season, and there is no question that Realmuto provides them with the best catcher in all of baseball if he is signed to a deal this offseason.

The Mets will have to get in a bidding war with the Philadelphia Phillies this offseason to lock up Realmuto, and it’s something the Mets won’t be afraid to do with Steve Cohen now in town. This move not only upgrades the Mets catching position, but it also asserts a sense of dominance around the division that this is the beginning of a new era for the Mets.

I’d assume Realmuto’s asking price is going to be around $24-$25 million a season which would make him the highest-paid catcher in baseball. Certainly a feasible move for Cohen and company, especially with the amount of payroll the Mets will have available next offseason.

Home/New York Mets News