Mets hope d'Arnaud can improve as primary catcher in 2017

For some time, there has been speculation that the Mets may look to replace Travis d’Arnaud as their primary catcher. Now it seems that this may not be the case.

D’Arnaud took a step backwards in 2016, having hit .247 with only four home runs and 15 RBIs for the Mets in 75 games. When it comes to the long ball and driving in runs, that’s a third of his 2015 totals, in more games played.

To the Mets, however, these struggles don’t seem to mean anything significant. They plan to continue using Travis as their primary Catcher in 2017, according to Adam Rubin, even though he has not played more than 80 games in a season since 2014. Rene Rivera, who the Mets recently re-signed, filled in nicely with six Home Runs and 26 RBI’s in 65 games.

The Mets are fully planning to go with Travis d'Arnaud as the primary catcher in 2017 and don't foresee going… https://t.co/3H9Z8vCOcp

— Adam Rubin (@AdamRubinESPN) December 4, 2016

The Mets are hoping that Travis can get passed these struggles and injuries. They believe he won’t just play like he had before, but maybe also reach his full potential at last.

Barring a few more injuries, hopefully Travis can play in at least 85 games throughout the 2017 season. If he plays the same he had in 2016, he could be looking at five or six Home Runs, 20 to 25 RBI’s, and a .250 Batting Average.

If the Mets want to see success from Travis, they should consider keeping him in the middle of the order. He has played very well batting fifth or sixth, especially in 2016. Under the right circumstances and without injuries, hopefully Travis could have a season with at least 10 Home Runs, 50 RBI’s, and a Batting Average upwards of .260.

The starting job might be his right now, but realistically it’s his to lose. If he continues his play from 2016, it will be only a matter of time before the Mets get a new catcher or shift another into the spot and move Travis to the bench.