The Mets aren’t finished trying to trade and could be using their catchers in an attempt to secure roster depth.
An industry source said Friday the Mets are receiving a “significant” amount of interest in Travis d’Arnaud and Kevin Plawecki and indicated either player could be included in a deal for a backup infielder or outfielder. The interest comes after the Mets signed Wilson Ramos to a two-year deal worth $19 million this week to become the starting catcher.
The Mets still have needs in the lineup and bullpen but don’t appear seriously involved in the pursuit of free-agent outfielder A.J. Pollock. A source indicated Pollock has requested assurances about playing time, and the Mets are still holding onto the belief Yoenis Cespedes will return at some point in 2019 and play alongside Michael Conforto and Brandon Nimmo. The team also has Juan Lagares returning as the potential starter in center field. But it’s unlikely Cespedes, who is rehabbing from surgery on both heels, would be ready before the All-Star break.
In the bullpen, the Mets had talks with the Rangers about lefty Mike Minor, but those negotiations have stalled, according to a source, as Texas has sought a bigger return in prospects than general manager Brodie Van Wagenen is comfortable trading. The Mets had interest in Minor last winter as a free agent but backed off when Texas offered him a three-year deal. In Minor, the Mets see a potential insurance policy for the rotation and an experienced lefty for the bullpen, but even if talks reignite, there is the issue of a partial no-trade that Minor would have to waive (the Mets are among 10 teams to which he can’t be traded without his consent).
Among the Mets’ backup catchers, d’Arnaud has the higher upside, but the fact he’s coming off Tommy John surgery and projected to receive $3.7 million next season could impact the return received by the Mets in a trade. Van Wagenen has also indicated d’Arnaud could be converted into a utility player if needed, giving the team another option at the corner infield spots and left field. Plawecki is arbitration-eligible for the first time.
The need for another infielder is clear, as the Mets are without a real backup at shortstop for Amed Rosario. Jeff McNeil is expected to receive the bulk of his action at third base and first base but could also factor into the corner-outfield mix.
On the free-agent front, the Mets still could pursue a veteran such as Adam Jones or Melky Cabrera to provide outfield depth.
Other than Ramos, the Mets have added Robinson Cano, Edwin Diaz and Jeurys Familia in a steady flow of acquisitions over the last three weeks, but team officials expect activity to slow until the new year.