The New York Mets locked down catcher Luis Torrens on a two-year, $11.5 million extension, reports Will Sammon of The Athletic.
Torrens was set to be a free agent after the 2026 season. He agreed to a $2.275 million contract through arbitration with the club this past offseason. The veteran backstop has spent the past two seasons in New York.
The 30-year-old Torrens has an uninspiring 79 wRC+ across nine seasons in the big leagues. He’s more known for his glove than his bat. Torrens has racked up 18 Defensive Runs Saved during his time with the Mets.
New York Mets Agree to $11.5 Million Extension With Catcher Luis Torrens
Torrens has scuffled to a .200/.200/.267 slash line in 31 plate appearances this season. He’s scored two runs and knocked in four tallies. Torrens has piled up 3 DRS in just 13 games. The veteran has operated in a backup capacity behind starter Francisco Alvarez.
The Mets acquired Torrens in a cash deal with the New York Yankees in May 2024. He popped three home runs and finished with an 89 wRC+ that season. New York shuffled through several options at the position in 2024. Alvarez, Torrens, Tomas Nido, and Omar Narvaez each recorded at least 69 plate appearances with the big-league club. Alvarez went down with a thumb injury, leading to a mix of backup options handling reps at the position.
Torrens received an extended opportunity with the club last season. A thumb sprain and hamate fracture limited Alvarez to 76 games. Torrens stepped in and slashed .226/.284/.345 over 283 plate appearances. He paced the club in starts behind the plate. Torrens was a below-league-average bat, but racked up 11 DRS at catcher.
The New York Yankees signed Torrens as an international free agent out of Venezuela in 2013. He was claimed off waivers by the Cincinnati Reds in 2016, but was immediately dealt to the San Diego Padres. Torrens slowly moved up the minor league ladder, but failed to stick after a brief debut with the big league squad. He was dealt to the Seattle Mariners in a blockbuster trade along with right-hander Andres Munoz, outfielder Taylor Trammell, and infielder Ty France. San Diego received right-handers Austin Adams and Dan Altavilla, plus catcher Austin Nola.
What is the Mets’ Future Outlook At Catcher?
The Torrens extension covers the Mets behind the plate for the next two seasons. Alvarez entered the arbitration process for the first time this past offseason. He isn’t set to reach free agency until 2030. Alvarez has provided strong production when healthy, but the medical caveat necessitates a solid backup. The slugger has topped 100 games played just once in his big-league career.
The catcher of the future is Daiverson Gutierrez. The 20-year-old was signed out of the Dominican Republic in 2023. He played his first season of pro ball as a 17-year-old. MLB Pipeline ranks Gutierrez as the 25th prospect in New York’s system. FanGraphs was a bit more generous, ranking him at 20th. Gutierrez posted a 98 wRC+ at Single-A in 2025. He’s off to a slow start at High-A this season, hitting .171 in 20 games at the level.
Mets Sign Veteran Catcher to $11.5 Million Extension