The New York Mets are undergoing a significant roster shakeup, extending even to their catching depth chart, as revealed through a trade with their crosstown rivals, the New York Yankees.
As word spread of the Mets’ decision to demote starting pitcher Christian Scott and third baseman Brett Baty, they concurrently finalized a deal with the Yankees for catcher Luis Torrens, who has been playing in Triple-A this season. Reports suggest that the Mets exchanged cash in this transaction.
In consequence, the Mets designated catcher Omar Narváez for assignment, who has struggled with a .154 batting average in 69 plate appearances this season. Narváez is in the final season of a two-year, $15 million contract, which has largely been disappointing, marked by a .745 OPS over 482 plate appearances (132 games) with the Mets.
Torrens will immediately join the Mets’ major-league roster, pairing up with Tomás Nido for the interim as Francisco Alvarez recuperates from a thumb injury. Alvarez made a successful return to action in his first rehab game, hitting a three-run homer and catching five innings.
Torrens, aged 28, boasted a batting line of .279/.339/.469 with five home runs and 19 RBIs across 124 plate appearances for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. The versatile catcher has previously played in the MLB with the San Diego Padres, Seattle Mariners, and Chicago Cubs over six seasons, amassing a career .227/.289/.354 line with 19 home runs and 79 RBIs in 607 plate appearances. He was signed by the Yankees in January 2024.
ESPN reports that Scott’s demotion was primarily due to scheduling and managing the workload of the 24-year-old pitcher’s innings. He is expected to make a swift return to the Mets after an impressive string of five starts, where he maintained a 3.90 ERA over 27 2/3 innings in the majors. Baty secured the third-base position during spring training but has struggled to maintain it, hitting .225 with a .628 OPS, along with four home runs and 16 RBIs.
The Mets have decided to give Mark Vientos an extended opportunity at third base. Additionally, with Vientos and Baty on the roster, New York lacked a backup middle infielder; reports indicate that Jose Iglesias was called up to fill that role, while pitcher Dedniel Núñez was recalled in place of Scott.
The Mets currently hold a record of 23-33 and are set to play the second game of their series against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday.
