2014 Mets Top Prospects: No. 2 Travis d’Arnaud, C

2. Travis d’Arnaud, C

Height: 6’2”
Weight: 195 lbs.
Age: 24
Bats/Throws: Right/Right

Travis d’Arnaud was the centerpiece in the deal that moved R.A. Dickey to Toronto last offseason and he became the best position prospect the Mets had right way. To give you an idea of his ceiling, let me first mention that he was twice traded for Cy Young Award Winners. He was originally drafted by the Phillies as the 37th overall pick in the 2007 draft. In 2009, the Blue Jays acquired him when they sent Roy Halladay to the Phillies and of course, the Mets acquired him in 2012. Now 25, Travis is definitely one of the older top prospects in baseball. That’s not necessarily because it took him a while to figure it out but has more to do with the multitude of injuries he’s experienced. He probably would have made his major league debut two seasons ago if it weren’t for foot, back and knee injuries. Although more of a freak injury, last season he took a foul ball off the foot, causing a fracture, which delayed his major league debut until August. In his short stint in the majors, d’Arnaud slashed a dull .202/.286/.263 with 21 K’s in 99 AB’s. He should be cut some slack for those numbers, however, as he worked hard rehabilitating his foot and then not only had to deal with the New York media, but also prove he could be a viable defender behind the plate and properly handle a young Mets pitching staff. The Mets see d’Arnaud as their catcher of the future with good reason. His sweet swing gives him the chance to hit for both a good average and considerable power; a very rare combination from behind the plate. It doesn’t stop there though as his natural athleticism and above average arm should allow him to be a pretty nice defender at the position. He’s a quiet kid but a natural leader who should have no trouble handling a pitching staff.

Outlook: There will continue to be questions in regards to d’Arnaud’s health and ability to stay on the field and it is up to him to prove the naysayers wrong. I believe his health will be just fine as he is one of the more athletic catchers I’ve seen and last years injury had more to do with bad luck than anything else. Kevin Plawecki is making a name for himself in the minors right now and if d’Arnaud cannot make improvements this season, his leash will continue to shorten until Plawecki is ready. D’Arnaud still has a much higher offensive and defensive ceiling than him, however, so I think the Mets are really hoping he works out. During the latter half of his debut last season, d’Arnaud looked like he was finally putting it together, making more contact and hitting hard line drives. At his peak, I could certainly see d’Arnaud hitting between .280 and .300 with 15-20 home runs per season and solid defense; accolades that could probably earn him multiple All Star game selections. He needs to start putting it together soon though because at 25 he is only 2 years away from his supposed “prime”; one that could certainly be shortened due to the physical demands of catching everyday. Due to the current state of the Mets offense, a breakout season from him would give the Mets a huge boost in their run scoring abilities.