The New York Mets lost both of their major league catchers in a short period last week when Kevin Plawecki was hit by a pitch and Travis d’Arnaud underwent Tommy John surgery.

Plawecki could be back within three-to-four weeks according to the Mets though the 2018 season is over for d’Arnaud.

The Mets current catchers are prospect Tomas Nido and veteran Jose Lobaton, both have struggled at the plate combining to go 2-for-16 with eight strikeouts. The only thing the Mets have done thus far to address the catching situation is sign Johnny Monell for depth at Triple-A.

Lots of writers and analysts have come up with options to upgrade at the catching position, though the clear best player that will likely be available is Miami Marlins catcher J.T. Realmuto.

Which brings us to the article this morning by Jon Heyman of Fan Rag Sports, in which he looks at options for the Mets and suggests that they should trade outfielder Michael Conforto to the Marlins straight up for Realmuto. Heyman doubled down on WFAN saying it was a fair trade, though unlikely to happen.

Heyman goes on to say Conforto for Realmuto is unlikely (duh), “That’s a long shot of course, as teams don’t often take those sort of chances. Much more likely is a package of several prospects, though the question remains whether the Mets have enough decent ones.”

Realmuto, 27, returned to action on Tuesday night with a grand slam after missing the start of the season with a back contusion. He’s arbitration eligible for the first time this offseason and is controllable through the 2020 season.

The strong all-around catcher has hit .281/.323/.430, 105 OPS+ in 416 major league games and was one of the best defensive catchers in baseball last season (19 FRAA, sixth highest in MLB).

Conforto, 25, returned earlier then initially expected for the 2018 season following shoulder surgery and currently has a 139 OPS+ in 12 games for the Mets. He’s a career .256/.352/.492 major league hitter with 8 DRS in the outfield.

The young outfielder will be first time arbitration eligible this offseason and is controllable through the 2021 season.

For a variety of reasons, Conforto for Realmuto is never going to happen and the idea being thrown around is pure insanity.

Heyman lists Jonathan Lucroy, John Ryan Murphy, Wilson Ramos, Devin Mesoraco, Blake Swihart and Stephen Vogt as other external catcher options.