Reese Kaplan -- Tools of Ignorance, Backup Edition

While most Mets fans are hotly debating the Pete Alonso/Dom Smith first base question, others are actively campaigning for various relief pitchers to make the roster, while another plurality is obsessing over the first right handed center fielder off the bench (Broxton, despite Lagares’ salary). 

Another somewhat under the radar debate concerns the backup catcher position where the Mets have somewhat of an embarrassment of brittle riches in Wilson Ramos, Travis d’Arnaud and Devin Mesoraco.  Obviously the offensive-oriented Ramos is the starter and will get the lion’s share of the time, health pending.  The question is who gets handed the ball on the days when Ramos needs a break.

Travis d’Arnaud came to the Mets as the centerpiece of the R.A. Dickey trade.  There was a low level prospect named Noah someone or other who turned out to be a pretty fair country pitcher.  TdA has always shown flashes of what everyone expected when he was dealt.  In the World Series year of 2015 he delivered 12 HRs and 41 RBIs in just 239 ABs.  In 2017 he was even more productive, with 16 HRs and 57 RBIs over 348 ABs.  Therein lies the rub…like a certain flashy centerfielder, he’s been unable to stay on the diamond to realize his full potential.  In addition, while d’Arnaud has terrific pitch framing skills and is generally adept at the fielding his position, his ability to throw out baserunners calls to mind Mike Piazza’s struggles in that regard.  You could tolerate it in the case of Piazza who provided Hall of Fame offense and durability.  Not so much from TdA. 

Devin Mesoraco has had higher peaks and lower lows than TdA.  He was an All Star in 2014 batting .273 with 25 HRs and 80 RBIs.  Even then Mesoraco battled health issues as he only had 384 ABs.  He got a nice contract extension based upon that terrific season, but he’s also had a very difficult time staying on the field and remaining healthy enough to produce anywhere near that level.  Last year after arriving from the Reds in the Matt Harvey trade Mesoraco hit 10 HRs and drove in 30 in just 203 ABs.  Extrapolated over a full season and you’re looking at that 2014 type of production.  However, towards the end of the year Mesoraco again missed time with neck issues.  He proved to be a visible leader behind the plate, preparing diligently for every game and became Jacob deGrom’s personal catcher during his Cy Young Season.

Contract statuses for each are where it gets tricky.  The Mets tendered arbitration-eligible Travis d’Arnaud a $3.7 million contract for the 2019 season.  Rules permit the Mets to cut TdA and only be responsible for a very small portion of his salary.  He would then become a free agent and eligible to sign with anyone.  They could disable him until he’s proven ready to withstand the rigors of day-to-day work should the need arise.  Yes, he has caught in a spring training game but it was well into the season and was not followed by a 2^nd appearance starting.  If he can’t go back-to-back days, then they need to concede he’s not game-ready.

Devin Mesoraco was brought back on a minor league deal for $1.7 million if he makes the team.  Today he has an opt-out if he chooses to take his chances at landing with another ballclub.  The Mets can postpone this free agency until June 1^st by paying him a $100,000 fee and stashing him in the minors. 

There doesn’t appear to be a great answer either way.  TdA is too talented simply to let walk away, but there is bad precedent in Justin Turner, Wilmer Flores and others.  Devin Mesoraco seems to be the better general behind the plate and promoting him to the 40-man roster will cost $2 million less than the contract offered d’Arnaud.  In an ideal world you would promote Mesoraco and stash TdA on the IL or in the minors until he is ready to play every day.

Your take?