According to a report from the NY Daily News, incumbent catcher Travis d’Arnaud will be given every opportunity to succeed in his role as starting catcher in 2017.
Originally it was believed that the Mets may look to upgrade at the position this offseason, especially after flirting with acquiring Jonathan Lucroy at last season’s trading deadline. The team though seems primed to give d’Arnaud another shot.
Travis is coming off a trying year where he hit to a .247/.307/.323 batting line with just four homers and 15 RBI. The Mets catcher had another oft-injured season, playing in just 75 games. Baserunners have also begun to run on him at-will, causing for more concern.
Injuries have been a large part of the downfall of d’Arnaud’s young career. He has shown flashes of being able to contribute to this team on a regular basis but the injury bug has seemed to deter any progress he makes.
With word coming out this past week that the Mets may look to non-tender Rene Rivera and the uncertainties that surround Kevin Plawecki and his ability to play in the big leagues, the team may look for a stronger backup catcher as per MLB Trade Rumors.
The upcoming season could make or break d’Arnaud’s career, at least while being in a Metropolitans uniform. It will be interesting to see if Travis can turn it around and be the solid contributor that we have seen glimpses of.
