Mets Discussing Contract With Veteran Catcher René Rivera

Rene Rivera
Photo credit USA TODAY images

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By WFAN.com

The Mets have a bit of a puzzle to piece together behind the plate.

Wilson Ramos signed a two-year deal in December and will be the team's starter heading into the season. Ramos has had a few injury issues in the past and had a close call when he was struck by a wild pitch on March 24, so depth is needed. 

Some of that depth could be provided by René Rivera. According to WFAN baseball insider Jon Heyman, the Mets are in discussions with Rivera about signing in New York.

Rene Rivera, Mets are In talks. Looks like probable landing spot for solid veteran backup catcher

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) March 25, 2019

Rivera is a 35-year-old who has spent 14 seasons in Major League Baseball. This would be his third stint with the Mets. He signed for the team in 2008, but spent the following season in Triple-A before leaving the organization. He returned in April of 2016 and was called up to the big leagues when Travis d'Arnaud went on the disabled list. Rivera started the 2016 NL Wild Card game, which the Mets lost 3-0 to the San Francisco Giants.

The Bayamón, Puerto Rico native was drafted by the Mariners in the second round of the 2001 MLB draft. He has since also spent time with the Twins, Padres, Rays, Cubs, Angels and Braves.

Rivera will provide depth behind Ramos and alongside d'Arnaud and Travis Nido, who are also expected to make the team. According to MLB.com's Anthony DiComo, Devin Mesoraco will retire after being told that he has not made the Mets big league roster. 

Still, it's unclear whether Rivera will start the year with the Mets or in the minors.

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