Mets remain interested in upgrading their catching

According to Jon Heyman, the Mets remain interested in acquiring a catcher this offseason. It was reported yesterday that Wilson Ramos and Martin Maldonado were on their radar, but it seems they are still interested in acquiring J.T. Realmuto, as well.

Realmuto is unquestionably the best catching option available going back to when it was reported that he wanted out of Miami. Ramos and Maldonado are both free agents ,but their production cannot compare to what Realmuto brings to the table. Ramos is solid but has been plagued by injuries, and Maldonado is mostly a defensive catcher that offers very little at the plate.

Realmuto, however, is under control for two more years and is a good all-around catcher. The twenty-seven-year-old was an All-Star in 2018 and threw out 38% of runners attempting to steal bases last season. And he hit .277/.340/.484 with an .825 OPS for the last-place Marlins.

Any trade to acquire such a talent at a position severely lacking offense across the league would require a return that will hurt. It was rumored that it would take either Brandon Nimmo or Michael Conforto to get a deal done. When the Nationals were interested in the catcher last season, Miami reportedly asked for top prospects Victor Robles and Carter Kieboom in return for the catcher.

The Braves have reportedly already made a strong push for Realmuto, so the Mets will definitely have some competition in their pursuit of the catcher. And it’s worth noting that Realmuto is represented by CAA, Brodie Van Wagenen’s former employer. The price is understandably high for such a premium talent, but should the Mets go this route, Realmuto would stabilize their catching situation which is something this team has been lacking for quite some time.