ICYMI: Mets Sign One Of Baseball's Best Pitch-Framers

The New York Mets have added one of the best pitch-framers in the game by signing free agent catcher Omar Narváez to a one-year contract. 

Omar Narváez is coming to New York. #NYM pic.twitter.com/oXuSCzU18C

— Metsmerized Online (@Metsmerized) December 16, 2022

Narváez is a 7-year veteran, and has spent the past three seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers. He has a lifetime .258 average with a .728 OPS, and he has a bit of pop in his bat. 

But the real skill he brings is pitch-framing. 

Omar Narváez has developed into one of the best pitch framers in baseball according to Baseball Savant:

-21 catcher framing runs, ranks 2nd in MLB

— Michael Mayer (@mikemayer22) December 16, 2022

He ranks second in baseball at the skill. 

But what does all this mean with baseball's No. 1 prospect, catcher Francisco Alvarez, supposedly ready to make the big club in 2023? With James McCann and Tomas Nido also on the roster, does the rookie spend a bit more time at Triple-A, or are the Mets setting up for a trade? 

Mets have long considered carrying 3 catchers. And counting on Alvarez for power, some ad DH. So if Alvarez isn’t quite ready, or the ankle issue lingers, Narvaez can fill that role. Is Alvarez is ready, Mets can trade a catcher.

— Andy Martino (@martinonyc) December 16, 2022

Mets insider Andy Martino says if Alvarez isn't quite ready, or if his ankle hasn't fully recovered from surgery in October, they've got another body already in tow. We'll know more once spring training rolls around in a couple of months. 

Photo:  Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports