Using Wins Below Average, a metric that encompasses both offensive and defensive value, David Schoenfield of ESPN.com, calculated the worst productive position for all 30 MLB teams. Surprisingly, the Mets received their worst overall production from the catching position.
New York Mets C: 1.5 wins below average
Mets fans are probably shocked that left field, right field or shortstop didn’t show up here. But while those positions were also all below-average, catcher was the worst. Mets catchers hit .226 with a sub-.300 OBP, but a big liability was Travis d’Arnaud’s defense, which Baseball Info Solutions rated as the worst in the majors (minus-15 defensive runs saved).
Fix for 2015: D’Arnaud had a nice second half at the plate (.265/.313/.474) but threw out just 19 percent of base stealers and led the NL with 12 passed balls. He does rate better on pitch framing. Anyway, he’s the catcher, so the Mets will undoubtedly be looking to upgrade left field (.219/.306/.308) and shortstop.
While the Mets got worse than average production from four of their eight positions this past season, I feel confident that we’ll see some big improvement behind the plate by sticking with d’Arnaud and whoever wins the backup job in Spring Training.
Travis had a pretty rough indoctrination to the major leagues and I’m of the belief that his offensive struggles had a negative impact on his defense. With his first full season out of the way, and a renewed confidence at the plate to end the season, I expect d’Arnaud to make some solid gains next season in his overall game.
In addition to improved plate blocking and throwing out a greater percentage of base stealers, I can see d’Arnaud putting together a .280 – 20 HR – 70 RBI season while batting in the middle of the Mets lineup. Catchers usually take longer to develop than players at other positions, and at 26, d’Arnaud should be entering a 4-5 year phase of peak production.
