Mets sign Wilson Ramos to a two-year deal

One of the key needs for the Mets this offseason (and the past few years) has been a reliable catcher. A roundtable of backstops have been given a chance, and none, specifically Travis d’Arnaud have lived up to the potential they were promised to be. It appears the Mets finally got their man, and they didn’t even have to relieve themselves of their top talent to do so.

It was reported that the team signed free-agent catcher Wilson Ramos to a two-year, $19 million deal, with an option for the 2021 season. Guillermo Linares and Daniel Montes were the first to discuss the all but confirmed deal.

Once the deal is official, the #Mets will hold a press conference on Tuesday to introduce Ramos.

— Daniel Álvarez Montes (@DaniAlvarez_16) December 16, 2018

Signed by the Twins in 2004, Ramos was considered the next big thing after Joe Mauer. In 2010 he was traded to the Nationals, where he was able to showcase his All-Star talent to the world. In seven seasons with Washington, Ramos slashed .268/.313/.430 with 83 home runs. In the midst of an MVP-like season in 2016, where he hit .307/.354/.496, he tore his ACL. Ramos signed with the Rays for two years after that. While he missed several games to start the year, he ended 2017 on a bright note, hitting .260/.290/.447 with 11 home runs in 64 games.

In 2018, between the Rays and the Phillies (he was traded in July of this year), Ramos hit a combined .306/.358/.487 with 15 home runs, 80 RBIs and 148 hits in 131 games.

While injuries have been a concern, when healthy Ramos is one of the top catchers in the game today. A major positive to come out of this was that Brodie Van Wagenen did not give into the asking price by the Marlins for J.T. Realmuto. For the past few weeks, the team was asking for players like Michael Conforto, Amed Rosario and at one point Noah Syndergaard. Brodie stated that if the market allowed it, they would be aggressive and explore all options. When one team acted too aggressive, that is when he pounced on the opportunity.

Ramos’ defense behind the plate and his game management was key in Brodie’s decision to bring him into the fold over guys like Yasmani Grandal and Jonathan Lucroy.

Ramos is expected to share playing time with Travis d’Arnaud, who is currently recovering from Tommy John. Unless the team plans on having three catchers on the roster, Kevin Plawecki may be the odd man out.

This move, including bringing back reliever Jeurys Familia and the additions of Robinson Cano and Edwin Diaz, has shown that the Mets are open to breaking the bank for the leagues best. The next move for the team could involve an outfielder and pitcher.