Paul Articulates - The case for Chris Suero

The Mets have some very talented catchers in their organization, including starter Francisco Alvarez, backup Luis Torrens, and first round pick Kevin Parada.  

We are still waiting for Alvarez to become the complete player many had projected and maybe this is the year.  We are very fortunate to have Torrens, who is not only one of the best backups in the league, but also a very durable catcher that has always been available when Alvarez goes down with his frequent injuries.

I would like to introduce another option and I will explain why.  The Mets (and us) are expecting Alvarez to become a top catcher in the league.  This may well happen, but there always seems to be something that prevents it from happening.  Either it is an injury or a reversion to bad old habits, or just a lapse in focus.  So plan A needs a good plan B.  Torrens has been that option, but because of his defensive talent and durability, there are many other eyes on him around the league so other than an unprecedented lucrative contract extension for a backup catcher there is no way to ensure strength behind the plate.  

Well, maybe one way.  Plan C is a third backup catcher.  This approach is usually unpopular because it eats a valuable roster spot for a player that is very seldom used.  That limits late inning substitution options in close games, putting Mendoza at a disadvantage.

Enter Chris Suero, a talented prospect with more to offer than just a third backup catcher option.  You see, he is not the typical catching prospect.  He has defensive versatility and un-catcher-like speed.  Suero can play left field and he can play first base. Not only that, but his scouting grades show plenty of talent in all five tools:

Suero Scouting Grades: Hit: 40; Power: 50; Run: 60; Arm: 50; Field: 50

Suero was an international signing in 2022 when he was only 18 years old.  He spent two years in the Dominican Republic and Florida complex leagues, then moved to St. Lucie in 2024.  After he compiled a 141 wRC+ there, he was moved to Brooklyn where he finished the season.  He was then invited to the prestigious Arizona Fall League, where he continued on his tear, slashing .283/.353/.567 (.920 OPS).  He also stole 8 bases in 15 games. Suero is currently listed as the #15 prospect in the Mets system.

Let’s be clear – I am not stating that he is ready for the majors in 2026, but I fully expect him to make the AA roster to start the season and if he handles that level of pitching he will see his trajectory continue to climb.  I am not trying to jump over Parada yet, but Parada does not appear to be moving smoothly through the AA/AAA levels.  His arm has been exposed as a weakness and except for a few surges his bat has been a disappointment.

If Suero survives the AA/AAA gauntlet better than Parada, he could become an option for a MLB roster as early as 2027.  That would provide a bench option for 1B/LF/C/DH/PH that uses only one spot on the 26 man roster, which is something that not many MLB teams have at their disposal.  We can only dream....