The Mets are looking for catching help, but aren’t thrilled with the response.
With Jose Lobaton and Tomas Nido struggling offensively and Kevin Plawecki at least two weeks away from rejoining the team as he rehabs a broken left hand, general manager Sandy Alderson acknowledged Tuesday he has looked at potential “incremental” and “significant” upgrades at catcher.
On the high end, the sexiest name is J.T. Realmuto, but the Mets, according to sources, have been led to believe the Marlins won’t deal the All-Star catcher. On a lower scale, names such as Wilson Ramos and Blake Swihart could make sense.
“We have looked at significant improvement and we just don’t think that is available,” Alderson said before the Mets’ 3-2 loss to the Braves at Citi Field.
Alderson was asked if the price, in terms of players and dollars, was the hang-up.
“We have never gotten to the stage in discussions where we were able to ascertain the price,” Alderson said. “Catching is a very important position. There is a scarcity at that position. Most teams don’t have two good ones, and even teams that are out of it or think they will be still have to run a catcher out there every day, and if they trade one and they have an injury the next day as we did, they are in a box.
“Even in those situations where teams aren’t necessarily competing, the catchers are still a very valuable commodity to them. We made some inquiries.”
Alderson said he is happy with how Lobaton and Nido have performed defensively, so an “incremental” upgrade might be a risk, given that a new catcher won’t know the Mets’ pitching staff and will not have spent spring training with the team.
“Incremental improvement, we are a little bit cautious,” Alderson said.
Plawecki, who broke his hand on April 11, was pegged for a return in three to four weeks, but with the three-week mark now approaching, Alderson said the short end is unlikely.
Steven Matz was “tender” following his throwing session Sunday, eliminating the possibility he could be used from the bullpen on Tuesday if needed, as manager Mickey Callaway had hoped. But Matz remains on course to start Saturday against the Rockies. The lefty was bumped from his Tuesday start because of back discomfort near his left scapula. It’s an ailment Matz said he has battled previously.
Anthony Swarzak remains well-removed from the Mets’ radar for a return as he recovers from a strained oblique. The righty reliever, according to Alderson, has a rib injury, adding to his recovery time.