Mets could play Travis d'Arnaud and Kevin Plawecki at other positions this spring

Travis d'Arnaud and Kevin Plawecki could receive a reprieve from squatting behind home plate all spring, Sandy Alderson said that both catchers could see playing time elsewhere during spring training.

It wasn't revealed which positions the Mets have in mind, but first base is the most logical destination. They don't have a clear back-up behind Lucas Duda, and giving d'Arnaud a few reps there could keep his potent bat in the lineup while sparing him the rigors of catching. The San Francisco Giants have enacted this strategy with star catcher Buster Posey.

Right after the season ended, Mets assistant manager John Ricco suggested d'Arnaud and Plawecki could split time behind the plate in 2016. Outside of keeping d'Arnaud healthy, such an arrangement makes little sense. Plawecki toiled offensively when filling in for d'Arnaud, hitting .219/.280/.296 in 73 games. Meanwhile, d'Arnaud's 131 wRC+ tied Kyle Schwarber for second among catchers with at least 250 plate appearances behind Posey's 138.

This plan suggests the organization hasn't lost faith in Plawecki, but it seems unlikely he would get regular season reps anywhere but behind the plate. While d'Arnaud, who will be 27 on Opening Day, may one day have to permanently change positions, he currently gives the team the most value at catcher.