New York Mets: Travis d’Arnaud Year in Review

Remember this guy? Travis d’Arnaud was the original prize piece in the R.A. Dickey trade prior to the 2013 season. In 2019 the New York Mets gave him a very short leash, before releasing him in early May. Unfortunately for the Mets, they should have been a little more patient with him after April.

The Mets made their feelings on d’Arnaud clear when they brought in Wilson Ramos to be the starting catcher. His role was going to be as a backup after multiple seasons as the starter. Of course the questions would always be with his throwing ability, after coming off of Tommy John Surgery.

Short Leash

23 at-bats was all d’Arnaud received before he was cut. In the organizations defense, he only had two hits, but the leash was far too short. During his last few chances he looked like he was putting good swings on the ball, but were hit right at the fielders. He only received four starts during the first month of the season and was sent away without receiving anything in return.

He threw out two of the six baserunners who attempted to steal against him, silencing some critics of his defense. It was not enough to keep him around as it seemed like the Mets were ready to move on to Tomas Nido as their backup.

The decision ended up as a huge blunder for the organization. Nido struggled with the bat and on defense and d’Arnaud was solid with the Rays and parlayed that season into a two year deal with the Braves.

Grades:

Hitting For Average: F, 2-for-23 (.087).

Hitting For Power: F, Both of his hits were singles.

Fielding: C+, The throwing was not bad, but his last game as a Met was where they had to pull the plug.

Speed/Baserunning: N/A, was only on base four times.

Intangibles: B, The pitchers loved working with him, but management put a dark cloud over him.

Overall: F, I wish he could have received more opportunities, but he unfortunately needed to find his way in another organization.