A few weeks back, we took a look ahead at some 2021 free agent starting pitchers who the Mets should be targeting this winter.
Another key position that the Mets might need to fill (once again) is behind the plate.
Obviously a lot will depend on how and if the 2020 season will play out – but unless the team chooses to exercise their $10 million club option on Wilson Ramos for 2021, they will again have a blaring need at catcher.
The upcoming free agent catching market has some intriguing names at the top, although it should be noted that none of the best options will be younger than the age of 30.
But for a Mets team that is considered to still be in a win-now scenario, an experienced and proven catcher is of the utmost importance for them to contend in 2021, especially since they could see many new faces in their starting rotation.
Below you’ll see a few names who could be impact players behind the dish for the Mets in 2021 and possibly even beyond:
1) J.T. Realmuto
This comes as a surprise to probably no one, as it feels like the Mets tried for years to pry the All-Star catcher away from his former team, the Miami Marlins.
Mets GM Brodie Van Wagenen was keen on trading for Realmuto last winter, but ultimately the price was too high for only two years of control, and Miami shipped the backstop to the rival Philadelphia Phillies.
After a 2018 that saw him play in just 125 games, Realmuto would prove his durability in 2019, playing in 20 more games than he did the year before.
His age 29 season showed to be much of the same for him in the batter’s box, even after his slow start to begin the season.
Realmuto put together a stat line that would get any fan excited to have him, hitting an impressive .275/.328/.493 with 25 homers, 36 doubles, 83 RBIs (coupled with 92 runs scored), an .820 OPS, and 265 total bases.
Besides his plus middle-of-the-order bat, Realmuto possesses tremendous athleticism that has made him into one of the game’s best defensive catchers.
In over 1100 innings behind the plate in 2019, Realmuto threw out 47% of would-be base stealers, which doubles the league average of 26%.
He is also considered to be a great receiver behind the plate, giving his battery mates confidence to throw any pitch in any situation.
When you consider Realmuto’s offensive talents coupled with his athleticism and defensive abilities, it is easy to see why he will be the most coveted catcher on the market.
2) Wilson Ramos
While we all know “The Buffalo” is no spring chicken and at times can be prone to injury, when you look at his 2019 offensive campaign, coupled with the circumstances of 2020, it may be wise for the Mets to pick his club option for the ’21 season.
Ramos is coming off a 2019 season in which he played in 140 games, surprising many with his durability. Offensively, he was a steady contributor in the middle of the order, hitting .288/.351/.416 with 14 home runs, 19 doubles, 73 RBIs, and a .768 OPS.
If there was one knock on Ramos, however, it definitely would be his defense. Although he had a much better second half behind the plate, Ramos could only throw out a mere 15% of base stealers – well below league average.
With a pitching staff so susceptible to the stolen base even in today’s game, he will need to continue to improve defensively.
However, one “saving grace” could be the universal DH.
If it is here to stay past 2020, this would give the Mets more flexibility with Ramos and hopefully mitigate overuse behind the plate to maximize his potential on both sides.
Overall, Ramos still fits the Mets’ win-now plan on a one-year deal, and if they are out of the race by trade deadline time next year – with Ramos performing to the back of his baseball card – he can be used as trade bait to bring back prospects.
3) James McCann
After splitting the catching duties for most of his five years as a Detroit Tiger, McCann was traded to the Chicago White Sox, where he became an All-Star in 2019.
Most of McCann’s success at the plate came in the first half, but in 118 games the then 29-year-old slashed a respectable .273/.328/.460 with 18 home runs, 26 doubles, 60 RBIs, and a .789 OPS (all career highs).
Although McCann slumped mightily in the second half last year, the one area he remained steady all season was his defense.
In just under 1000 innings behind the plate, the California native had a .994 fielding percentage in 2019 and threw out 31% of would-be base stealers, which we know was above the league average.
With the signing of Yasmani Grandal by the White Sox this winter, McCann will certainly see a major deduction in playing time, but make no mistake – he is a viable major league catcher that will get plenty of suitors next winter, and the Mets should be one of them.
4) Yadier Molina
Now before I have some of you coming to my house with pitchforks and fire, let me be clear – this would only work as a one-year deal.
Yadier Molina will be 38 in 2021, and is coming off years where he was only able to play in 123 and 113 games in ’18 and ’19.
However, if he does in fact become a free agent this winter, he could be the perfect one-year stopgap behind the dish to anchor a pitching staff that could see many new faces – particularly the starting rotation.
Molina is still around league average when throwing out base stealers. Add that to the fact that he has enjoyed a ton of offensive success hitting at Citi Field in his career (to the tune of .313/.357/.418 and a .775 OPS), this could be a bountiful short-term relationship.
Not to mention it would be a compelling storyline for such a big Mets’ nemesis to now join them in competing for a championship.
2021 will bring a lot of uncertainties for the Amazins, but if they are willing to spend in free agency (I know, I know) there will be plenty of opportunities to add impact and quality players to their roster.
