2023 was a disappointing season for the Mets, but it’s time to look forward. The team enters a pivotal offseason with new President of Baseball Operations David Stearns in charge, as he will try to balance keeping the team competitive next season, with likely not spending as freely as the team has in previous offseasons under Steve Cohen.

As the offseason officially approaches, we plan to look at where the Mets stand at each position, starting today with catchers.

BIG LEAGUE STARTER

For the first time in a long time, the Mets have an established starter at catcher, and he’s not going anywhere. Francisco Álvarez didn’t have the most polished rookie season in the majors,  and he still has room for improvement in several areas. Still, he remains only 21 years old, and hit 25 home runs in his first full season in the big leagues.

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On top of that, Álvarez showed he shined brightest in big moments, coming up with numerous clutch hits and homers when the Mets needed it the most. Defensively, the young catcher ranked fourth in the majors this season with nine catcher framing young saves, showing he’s making strides in all areas.

Barring injury, Álvarez will be the established starter at catcher for the Mets not only in 2024, but for years and years to come.

BIG LEAGUE DEPTH

The backup catcher situation will be determined by what Omar Narváez decides to do with his 2024 $7 million player option. Narváez battled injuries and lost his starting job to Álvarez early in the season, and never performed all that much when he did get opportunities. However, he is a veteran who is serviceable enough in a backup role when Álvarez needs an off day. It would be a surprise if he declined his option, but if he does, the Mets will be in the market for a new backup catcher.

UPPER LEVELS DEPTH

In Syracuse, the Mets were caught primarily by the trio of Michael Perez, Nick Meyer, and former big-league starter Tomás Nido.

Of those three, Nido, who signed a two-year extension last offseason, is the most likely to see time in the big leagues. He hit well after being sent back down to Syracuse, and is a previous Gold Glove finalist. While his offense was basically non-existent in the majors in 2023, he’s a fine option to have as a No. 3 catcher entering the season, and may even earn the backup job should Narváez decline his option.

Perez, 30, is arbitration eligible and made cameos in the majors each of the last two seasons, but he hit only .204 in 230 ABs for Syracuse. Meyer, a former Mets sixth-round pick, also didn’t do much with the bat for Syracuse last season, but will likely continue to get opportunities at the Triple-A level.

POTENTIAL ACQUISITIONS

If Narváez opts in, it would be somewhat surprising for the Mets to sign or trade for a catcher this offseason. With that said, it was surprising last season that they opted to go after Narváez with Álvarez waiting in the wings and Nido coming off of his best season.

If Narváez opts out, or if the team wants to trade him and acquire a different catcher who can provide more offense when Álvarez needs a lift, it’s possible they take a look in free agency or swing a trade. The Mets will likely be cautious not to overplay Álvarez at catcher to keep him fresh throughout the season, but they still may want his bat in the lineup at DH. In that scenario Narváez or Nido don’t provide much of an offensive threat at the bottom of the lineup.

Of the veteran catchers set to hit the market, the top prize is likely Mitch Garver of the Rangers, who slashed .270/.370/.500, but he will assuredly be looking for a starting spot and doesn’t seem like a fit for the Mets. Beyond Garver, veterans such as Yasmani Grandal, Tom Murphy, Luke Maile, Yan Gomes (if his club option is not accepted), or even old friend Gary Sanchez, are available. Other than Sanchez, however, that group doesn’t contribute much offensive firepower, and the Mets may be more inclined to spend elsewhere.