The Mets, clearly motivated to improve their catching corps, have expressed interest in free agent Robinson Chirinos, according to an industry source.
Chirinos, who will turn 36 next June, enjoyed a strong 2019 season with the Astros, starting 106 games behind the plate and posting a .238/.347/.443 slash line while playing strong defense, tallying only four passed balls. If the Mets retain starting catcher Wilson Ramos, then Chirinos very well might receive better opportunities elsewhere. Yet the Mets did reach out to the Venezuela native.
Another catcher whom the Mets have contacted as a depth option is Drew Butera, 36, who began his career as a Mets prospect (Omar Minaya drafted him in the fifth round of the 2005 amateur draft, Minaya’s first year as general manager) before he was traded to the Twins for Luis Castillo in 2007.