Mets Give Backup Catcher A Surprising Extension Despite Team's Ongoing Struggles
The New York Mets Know Luis Torrens is more than a backup catcher, and the extension they gave him reflects that.
Early May isn’t a typical time for MLB teams to be handing out contract extension, but the New York Mets decided to make backup catcher Luis Torrens the exception to that rule as they gave Torrens a two-year deal worth $11. 5 million, according to Anthony DiComo of MLB. com , with the news reported by multiple other outlets.
The timing may be slightly odd, but the extension itself is well-deserved, and it represents an acknowledgment of Torrens’ ongoing development to become one of the best backup catchers in baseball. The move also came on Torrens’ 30th birthday, so it’s a welcome gift, and it ensures that the backup catcher will be in Queens through at least 2028. Torrens came to the Mets as a journeyman backup back in 2024 as he’d played with five other organizations, but now he’s clearly found a home.
His caught stealing rate of 47 percent during his time in New York leads all catchers who have spent at least 250 innings behind the plate, and Torrens was a Gold Glove finalist last season despite appearing in just 86 games as a catcher. His average pop time that measures his throws to second was fourth fastest in MLB last year at 1. 87 seconds, according to DiComo, and he’s at 1.
86 this year, although Torrens has had just five throwing opportunities this year. Torrens has also changed his reputation as a defense-first, no-offense backstop to some extent. He’s sneakily effective as a hitter at times, and he’s delivered some timely hits at important times.