Story perspectives

Mets lock up catcher Luis Torrens on 2-Year, $11.5 M deal

5/3/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Mets signed Luis Torrens to a two-year, $11.5 million extension with $2 million in incentives.
He turned 30 on May 2 2026, avoided free agency after 2026, hit .200 with four RBIs in 31 plate appearances and led with a 57.1 % caught-stealing rate, highest among 250+-inning catchers.
The deal adds a $12.65 million penalty, with the Mets at 10-21 on a $400 million payroll and his defense contributing +0.4 DWAR versus Francisco Alvarez’s –0.3 DWAR.

History

Historical Context

After the May 1998 trade that brought Hall of Famer Mike Piazza to New York, the Mets gained a .348 batting average, 23 home runs and 76 RBI, sparking a payroll surge that lifted the club to an 88-74 record yet left it one game short of the postseason. The franchise’s later reliance on costly catcher contracts reflects the same payroll-driven strategy.

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Story summary

The Mets signed Luis Torrens to a two-year, $11.5 million extension with $2 million in incentives.
He turned 30 on May 2 2026, avoided free agency after 2026, hit .200 with four RBIs in 31 plate appearances and led with a 57.1 % caught-stealing rate, highest among 250+-inning catchers.
The deal adds a $12.65 million penalty, with the Mets at 10-21 on a $400 million payroll and his defense contributing +0.4 DWAR versus Francisco Alvarez’s –0.3 DWAR.

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