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NY Mets: Top three positions of need to address this offseason

By James Richards

PHILADELPHIA, PA - AUGUST 12: A baseball hat and a glove sit on the bench in the dugout before a game between the New York Mets and the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on August 12, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies won 3-1. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***
PHILADELPHIA, PA - AUGUST 12: A baseball hat and a glove sit on the bench in the dugout before a game between the New York Mets and the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on August 12, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies won 3-1. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** /
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CINCINNATI, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 04: JT Realmuto #10 of the Philadelphia Phillies hits a two run home run in the 5th inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on September 04, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Mets need a starting catcher upgrade

The Mets had historically had difficulty getting consistent offense from their starting catchers until they brought in Wilson Ramos on a 2-year deal prior to the 2019 season. Ramos had a great debut season for the Mets, hitting .288 with a .351 OBP for the club, however, has not replicated the same success in the shortened 2020 season.

Ramos’ deal with the Mets will be up following this season, and there’s one player every fan has on their mind for the team to go after to replace him.

This off-season, one of the biggest stories to follow is where All-Star Catcher JT Realmuto will end up. The 30-year-old backstop will be a free agent for the first time in his career, and the Mets, with Cohen’s new backing, and expected to be in the mix for him.

After breaking the bank to sign Bryce Harper, the Phillies might not be able to spend the money to retain him, and if he hits the open market, he’d be the Mets’ best option to make an upgrade.

Realmuto is a former gold glover behind the dish, and at the plate, can hit for both power and average. At 30 years old, he is also younger than Ramos, so on all accounts, bring in JT would be a big upgrade for the club.

The only catch is that catchers can be an unreliable position to break the bank on a long term deal. At 30 years old, the Mets may be hesitant to meet what will likely be Realmuto’s large asking price, or may simply want to spend the big money on a different position.

As for more affordable options, they could bring back Ramos on another 1-2 year deal. Regarding other free agents, James McCann is another fine offensive catcher on the market, or they could they to poach Yadier Molina from the Cardinals. Despite being the oldest of the bunch, Molina is still a solid hitter and would be a defensive upgrade over Ramos.

While the Mets do have options at this position, they are limited compared to those at starting pitcher. While Mets fans may be begging to bring in Realmuto, New York needs to make sure to bring in a quality backstop a the very least.

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