ANAHEIM, Calif. — Luis Torrens’ solid production as a backup catcher has earned him security with the Mets.
Access the Mets beat like never before
Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Mike Puma about the inside buzz on the Mets.
Try it freeTorrens signed a two-year contract extension with the club Saturday, valued at $11.5 million according to an industry source, eliminating the possibility he will leave via free agency after this season.
The deal also includes $2 million in incentives.
A premier defensive catcher — who is among MLB’s best at throwing out base stealers — Torrens, who celebrated his 30th birthday on Saturday, arrived to the Mets in a trade with the Yankees during the 2024 season and has provided the club with a respectable starting option during Francisco Alvarez’s absences due to injury.
“Ever since I got here to the Mets, they have treated me great,” Torrens said through an interpreter before his team’s 4-3, 10-inning loss to the Angels. “I feel like I am part of the family and I feel like there is value in that.”
He is earning $2.275 million this year in his final season of arbitration eligibility.
Torrens was asked if he was tempted to test free agency.
“That was on the table, but my transition to the Mets was so smooth that I figured I wanted to be here and want to sign now and not have to wait,” he said.
Mets catcher Luis Torrens tags out Nationals second baseman Nasim Nunez who was trying to score on a fielder’s choice by Nationals center fielder Jacob Young (not pictured) during the ninth inning at Citi Field. Brad Penner-Imagn ImagesTorrens owned a .200/.200/.267 slash line with two homers and six RBIs in 13 games this season entering Saturday.
Entering play, he had thrown out four of six runners attempting to steal against him.
Last year he led the major leagues by going 23-for-50 (46 percent) nabbing runners attempting to steal.
“Not only pitchers giving him the chance, but just teams in general respecting him, so it’s been impressive,” manager Carlos Mendoza said.
Along the way, Torrens has bonded with Mendoza, a fellow Venezuelan.
“[Torrens] has been a great citizen, great player, one of the best if not the best backup catchers in the league,” Mendoza said. “I am proud of him. He finally got rewarded. I have known this guy since he was 16 years old … it’s a special day for him and his family.”
