Zac Thornton’s secret weapon is also something the NY Mets must try fixing

Zac Thornton has made 13 starts for the New York Mets this year and has come away with a 3.44 ERA. His latest 7 inning, 2 runs allowed effort at Yankee Stadium was an impressive 81-pitch performance that included the left-handed rookie throwing 61 strikes. Control has been a big part of his success all year. He’s averaging only 2 walks per 9 innings.

Thornton’s biggest weapon isn’t even on the mound. It’s behind the plate. Three different catchers have been behind the dish for Thornton. There’s a drastic difference from Luis Torrens to Francisco Alvarez and Hayden Senger.

Senger caught his MLB debut which ended after 4.1 innings and 4 runs charged. Alvarez was the catcher for his lashing versus the San Francisco Giants. The Giants hit 4 home runs against him and scored 6 times in his 5 innings. It’s only one start each for those catchers. Meanwhile, Torrens has caught 11 games for Thornton. The result is a 2.53 ERA.

The Mets need to fix whatever disconnect there is with Zac Thornton and non-Luis Torrens catchers

It’s not an unusual circumstance. Backup catchers known for the defense sometimes have a habit of getting the most of pitchers. The debate of whether the New York Yankees could use Gary Sanchez behind the plate in the playoffs a few years ago was one of the hottest topics in sports. Torrens is someone who absolutely falls into the category of bumping out a starter because of his defensive and game-calling abilities.

Emphasis on catcher defense continues to grow even with the ABS system spoiling some framing advantages. Torrens went into Sunday’s game with a MLB-leading 13 DRS at the catcher position. If ever there was a time for someone to end the Mets’ Gold Glove drought, it’s 2026 with Torrens.

With catchers, there’s so much more than saving runs. The results from the pitchers matter a whole lot and in the case of Thornton, we see a distinctive difference. 

It’s fine if a veteran needs a personal catcher. Unless the Mets are planning to make Torrens a full-timer, which would require a plug getting pulled on Francisco Alvarez, the team can’t adjust the lineup around him because he’s unable to yield similar results with other backstops.

It’s both a testament to Torrens’ efficiency as much as it is a growing pain the rookie lefty has to figure out while being the real master on the field without any difference in who his catcher happens to be. The Mets have been using Torrens more than expected this year behind the plate with frequent appearances by Alvarez as the DH instead. Thornton is an extreme example as to why this might always be the best situation.

Interestingly, Nolan McLean is the exact opposite. He has a 2.65 ERA with Alvarez and 3.67 ERA with Torrens. Not as extreme, it is a bit deceptive as the OPS is much closer. Hitters have a .630 OPS with Alvarez behind the plate and .646 one with Torrens.

Responsibility should always fall on the pitcher first and foremost. The only thing the Mets mustn’t do is make Thornton too reliant on Torrens. They’ve done well to set him up for success. Now it’s time to challenge him to succeed with someone else as his batterymate.

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