The New York Mets have been making strategic moves at the catcher position, initially opting for defensive depth. However, recent developments have seen them part ways with catcher Austin Barnes.
During the offseason, the Mets prioritized building a safety net around Francisco Alvarez, anticipating possible continued struggles. But now, as reported by MLB insider Jon Heyman, Barnes has been released.
He was set to earn $1.5 million, with an additional $500K in incentives, had he secured a spot on the roster. Barnes, known for his tenure with the Los Angeles Dodgers, now faces the challenge of finding a new team, a task complicated by the timing of his release.
The Mets entered camp with Alvarez and Luis Torrens as their primary catchers. For Alvarez, this season is crucial-a "prove-it" year following a stint in the minors due to injuries and performance issues. Despite a scare with back tightness in spring training, Alvarez bounced back with a strong Opening Day, launching a home run in the Mets' 11-7 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Torrens has secured his role as the backup, impressing the new coaching staff enough to fend off competition. While Barnes posted a solid .313/.389/.500 slash line in limited spring appearances, it wasn't enough to earn him a roster spot.
Barnes' defensive prowess remains a significant asset, with 35 defensive runs saved over more than 3500 innings behind the plate. His versatility is notable, having played second base in the past, though it’s been a few years since he last took on that role.
Meanwhile, the Mets have other catching options in the pipeline. Hayden Senger, though not a strong hitter, compensates with his defensive skills. Kevin Parada, a first-round pick in 2022, shows promise offensively but faces questions about his defensive capabilities at the major league level.
As the season unfolds, the Mets' decisions at catcher will be pivotal, balancing immediate performance needs with long-term development goals.