Kristie Ackert of the NY Daily News has reported that the Mets have not reached out to the Tampa Bay Rays or the Boston Red Sox regarding a trade for a catcher.
With Travis d’Arnaud headed for surgery this week, and Kevin Plawecki out for what is said to be “a couple of weeks,” there have been talks about the Mets looking for an upgrade behind the plate.
Two of the many options who have been thrown around are Wilson Ramos of the Rays, and Blake Swihart of the Red Sox.
Two Rays sources told Ackert, the team would “be happy to trade veteran catcher Wilson Ramos, but they have not heard anything.” Ramos is a low-average hitter with good power, and will make $10.5 million this season.
As far as the Swihart and the Sox, Ackert says Boston “thought they would have heard from the Mets about Blake Swihart but haven’t either.” Swihart was once a top prospect in baseball, but never panned out, and is now buried in a utility role. Perhaps a change of scenery would be good for the 26-year old.
It is looking more likely that the Mets will wait out the market, and work with with a defensive platoon of Jose Lobaton and Tomas Nido. Mickey Callaway told Ackert the team isn’t currently looking for offensive production from their current backstops.
“You don’t necessarily need the offense from the catching position. You need those guys locked in on the game plan and to get our pitchers through it. Especially with the makeup of our team and how good our pitchers can be.”
However, a rival scout thinks Sandy Alderson will eventually have to bite the bullet and make a trade.
“Everyone knows they need a catcher and can wait and try and get more from them. Eventually, they will probably have to make a move, but they can try to buy some time with the two they have.”
