While introducing new catcher Wilson Ramos on Tuesday at Citi Field, GM Brodie Van Wagenen explained why the Mets went in this direction.
"In short, Wilson was the perfect fit for us," Van Wagenen said, adding that while the team had a variety of options on the trade and free agent markets, the Mets chose their path "rather than allowing others to choose our path for us."
On those other options:
If the Mets had traded for J.T. Realmuto, they would have had to give up talent from the big league roster while creating one hole to fill another. In talks, the Marlins reportedly wanted at least one of Amed Rosario, Brandon Nimmo, or Michael Conforto. Another iteration of a potential deal for Realmuto would have had Noah Syndergaard heading to either the Padres or Yankees.
Had the Mets signed Yasmani Grandal (who rejected a qualifying offer from the Dodgers), they would have had to give up their second-highest pick in the 2019 MLB Draft.
On Ramos, Van Wagenen said he "commanded the room" when they met with him and cited his "poise" and "confidence" as traits that stuck out.
Ramos, who dealt with a hamstring issue last season, said he was "working really hard this offseason to be healthy for the full season," adding that most of that work has been on his agility.
"I want to win," Ramos said about why he chose the Mets. "I feel this team can win."
Ramos, 31, hit .306/.358/.487 with 15 homers and 22 doubles in 111 games with the Rays and Phillies in 2018. For his career, Ramos is a .273/.317/.439 hitter with 109 homers in nine seasons with the Twins, Nationals, Rays, and Phillies.