Fan Shot by Michael Famulari
As we experience the beginning of spring training for the Mets, there is a lot to be excited about. With a potent hitting core, along with an excellent pitching staff, the Mets are poised to build off of their promising 2019 campaign. Although the team arguably improved in the offseason, since many holes were filled, there are still numerous questions that haunt them.
One of these questions is: Who will assume the backup catcher role in 2020?
Making the Case for Tomas Nido
Obviously, Wilson Ramos will be the starting catcher for the 2020 season, since his consistent offensive production guarantees him that role. Last year, his backup catcher was Tomas Nido, who put up a disappointing season offensively, attaining a lackluster batting average of .191 and only four home runs, which caused his –0.7 oWAR, according to baseball reference.
These stats could be improved upon, since baseball reference projects Nido to achieve a .222 batting average, along with nine home runs. The fans would likely be content with those offensive stats, coming from the backup catcher position, where Nido would continue to serve as a defensive complement to Ramos’ offense.
Although Nido’s 2019 offensive stats were putrid, he has remained on the team throughout his career, due to his highly touted defense, which is carried by his framing. According to Fangraphs, Nido possessed a 2.4 FRM in 2019. To show the distinction between Nido and Ramos, in terms of framing, Ramos’ FRM was an uninspiring –7.4.
Thus, as the backup to Ramos, Nido provides excellent defense and framing, a camaraderie with the pitching staff, along with offensive potential, as highlighted in his 2016 FSL batting title campaign, where he had a batting average of .320. Given that Nido is out of minor league options, he is seen as the most likely candidate to assume the backup role, since he would have to be DFA’d otherwise, which the Mets do not want to do.
Photo: Ed Delany, MMO
Exploring Other Options
The Mets invited a total of 7 catchers to major league camp. Aside from Nido and Ramos, the other catchers include Ali Sanchez, Rene Rivera, Austin Bossart, Patrick Mazeika, and David Rodriguez. The only one on the 40-man roster is Ali Sanchez.
Therefore, it can be concluded that the only viable options out of this group would be Rene Rivera and Ali Sanchez, since the others have no major league experience, and are not on the 40-man roster. So, between the two of Rivera and Sanchez, both make interesting cases to assume the role of the backup to Ramos.
First, Rivera, who the Mets brought back on a minor league deal, provides a source of power off of the bench, solid defensive stats, and a positive relationship with the pitching staff, especially Noah Syndergaard. Although Rivera is 36 years old, he did have more favorable offensive stats than Nido, with a .235 batting average in limited playing time.
According to baseball reference, Rivera is projected to hit .241 with 9 home runs. These projections favor Rivera over Nido, giving him the advantage offensively. Defensively, Rivera has declined over the years, as he recorded a –2 DRS, along with a 0.0 FRM. Although these stats were recorded in limited playing time, it still indicates that Rivera is not the defender he once was. As we know, players usually do not improve defensively as they age, so that will be an interesting factor in Rivera’s development throughout this season.
Finally, the other candidate mentioned was Ali Sanchez, who possesses a lackluster bat, but above average
defense. Personally, I feel that Ali will not be the backup catcher, but will start the season in Syracuse. The reason for this is because, upon his promotion to AAA last season, he struggled immensely on the offensive side of things, with a poor batting average of .179.
Predicting the Outcome
At the end of spring training, the Mets will be faced with making this decision. Based on each candidate’s strengths and weaknesses, I believe that Tomas Nido will assume the role of backup catcher, and that Rivera will be the next man up, in the event of an injury or trade.
Given Nido’s history of success in the MiLB, and his potential, I feel that it is worth taking one last chance on him, to prove that he belongs at the MLB level.
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This Fan Shot was contributed by diehard Mets fan Michael Famulari.
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