The Mets have designated catcher Jose Lobaton for assignment, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports via Twitter, noting that the backstop wasn’t playing much with Devin Mesoraco now in the fold. In a related move, they’ve recalled Tomas Nido to serve as Mesoraco’s backup for the time being. In an unrelated move, the club also optioned lefty Buddy Baumann and recalled right-hander Chris Flexen to take his roster spot.
The 33-year-old Lobaton has played in parts of nine major league seasons for the Padres, Rays, Nationals and Mets, but has never provided much in the way of value. His 2018 slash line stands at a meager .152/.250/.239 through 52 plate appearances with the Amazins, and it certainly makes sense that the club would give the lion’s share of the work behind the plate to Mesoraco considering his former offensive prowess. Mesoraco was recently acquired from the Reds in exchange for Matt Harvey, in what was clearly a swap of struggling veteran change-of-scenery candidates.
Despite Lobaton’s uninspiring resume, it’s difficult to imagine he’ll go unclaimed given the state of the catcher position around MLB. The Nationals and Twins are in desperate need of catching depth after losing Matt Wieters and Jason Castro (respectively) to significant injuries. The veteran Lobaton could easily be a target for either team, though it seems likely that both clubs would wait for their chance to claim him rather than attempt to give anything up in a trade.
Nido, 24, has actually been worse than Lobaton so far this season. With a microscopic .135/.179/.162 slash line across 39 plate appearances to go with a 38.5% strikeout rate, Nido is simply the new unexciting backup option to Mesoraco while the team waits for Kevin Plawecki to return from a broken hand, hopefully by the end of the month.
Wonder if the Nationals put in a claim on Lobaton after Wieters’ hamstring surgery. He’s probably still familiar with most of the pitchers from last year
I could see that happening. Wouldn’t set them back much in way of payroll or minor leaguer if they decide to trade
The man brings nothing to the table offensively. CLE would be open to trading Perez who is an excellent defensive C with occasional pop and younger than the waiver wire selections.
Cleveland had repeatedly said that they are not open to dealing Perez – so no idea where your comment comes from.
Now the Mets need to designate for assignment the other Jose who’s hitting .143/.192/.204.
If they did, he wouldn’t be with the organization anymore.
He doesn’t have the speed he once had, but he’s still useful as a pinch runner considering how slow everyone on the team is.
And realistically, they’re not getting rid of him, he has too much history here and he’s not costing them anything.
“ . . . he’s still useful as a pinch runner . . . “
If all you’re looking for is someone who can pinch run, why not Tebow. He’s younger and cheaper. Perhaps that roster spot should go to someone doing something necessary instead, like hitting or pitching necessary. Fourth place teams don’t need pinch runners.
Hey Chri…don’t you hum the guy’s name when he is at bat?”
Throwing good money after bad money, it amazes me that Frugal Wilpon would agree to sign Reyes again.
He’s at the end of his career, with his prime years around ten years ago.
He’s also a cancer to all teams that he is on. The type of guy who has the broad smile that you know means, “I can’t wait for you to turn your back on me”.
With two teams in the running, at least, find the best trade return. Whatever that is. Lobaton figures to be enough of an improvement to trade a “pitcher in A-Ball” to acquire him.
bucket of A-ball balls is probably the best return
Is Lobaton better than the reserve in Washington or Minnesota?
If yes, the Nats/Twins ought to be offering (as a recommendation) their fourth-best reliever in the Midwest/SALLY League.
Better than a bag of balls for the Mets, and helps two teams with valid October hopes.
The Mets should sign the entire NY replay crew. They are intentionally helping the Mets any way they can!