2. Derek Norris
Catcher Derek Norris put himself on the map in Oakland, when he hit .270 with 10 home runs and 55 RBIs. The San Diego Padres acquired him, and he mashed 28 home runs over two seasons with the club. In 53 games with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2017, Norris clubbed nine homers. In Norris, the Mets would be getting a power threat with intrigue. There could still be untapped potential in Norris.
The club wouldn’t be signing him for over the league minimum, so there shouldn’t be that much of a risk with him. Norris is a guy with pop, and someone who can be relied on for the long ball. He would be another threat in the lineup for the Mets. New York’s lineup would benefit more from Norris than Hanigan.
A big problem for Norris is his strikeout rate. He struck out almost 25 percent of the time last year, and he didn’t even play 60 games. In order for him to stay with a club, he needs a better approach at the plate. The backstop is an empty power bat hitter, but he isn’t terrible behind the plate either. The Mets could at least see 10-15 home runs from Norris if he played almost everyday. He did it in Petco Park, so why can’t he do it a Citi Field?