The battle for supremacy in the National League East just got turned up a notch.
According to Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports, free-agent catcher Matt Wieters is headed to the Washington Nationals. After months of speculation on Wieters’ future, the former switch-hitting Orioles backstop has found a home in the NL East.
Here’s why the late winter (or early spring) hot stove deal hurts the Mets.
-Nationals just got better.
Heading into spring training, Derek Norris and Jose Lobaton were Washington’s top two catchers. The combination of Wieters and Norris sounds much better for the defending division champions.
With former star backstop Wilson Ramos gone to Tampa, the Wieters-Norris duo could combine for 30 home runs from behind the plate. Last season, 13 catchers hit 14-or-more home runs. Washington now has two of them on its roster. The Mets don’t have one.
The Nats could trump New York’s offensive production at catcher, second base (Daniel Murphy), shortstop (Trea Turner), third base (Anthony Rendon), center field (Adam Eaton) and right field (Bryce Harper) in 2017.
-Pressure squarely on Travis d’Arnaud.
Earlier this winter, Wieters-to-New York rumors actually made some sense. After all, how could the Mets simply just hope d’Arnaud would rediscover his 2015 form (.825 OPS) this coming season?
As the free-agent market dried up, Wieters loomed as a fallback for the Mets. Now the veteran is in Washington, leaving the Mets no cover.
Mets confident in d’Arnaud
-Could force Mets into uncertain catcher trade market.
If Sandy Alderson’s ‘all in’ mantra is to be believed, the Mets shouldn’t hesitate to upgrade in trouble spots at the 2017 MLB trade deadline. But if catcher is a need, don’t expect fruitful options. Miguel Montero (Cubs), Cameron Rupp (Phillies) and Alex Avila (Tigers) could be among trade options. None are anything close to impact players.
Mets infield drills
Joe Giglio may be reached at jgiglio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoeGiglioSports. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
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