In many different ways, the 2015 season seems so long ago.  The biggest example of that might just be Travis d’Arnaud.  Back then, d’Arnaud was a 130 wRC+, which was second only to Buster Posey among MLB catchers, and he was an exceptional pitch framer.  He seemed like a budding All Star.  It has not worked out that way.

We’ve seen two straight injury prone seasons where d’Arnaud has regressed.  This year was the most startling.  Through 95 games, d’Arnaud is hitting just .232/.281/.397.  Even with the team hiring respected Glenn Sherlock as a catching coach, d’Arnaud has regressed in all aspects behind the plate.  The pitch framing numbers aren’t there.  He’s even throwing out fewer base stealers than he has in the past.

At the same time, we have seen Kevin Plawecki begin to figure things out.

In Las Vegas, we have seen Plawecki hit .300/.348/.484 with 17 doubles, a triple, nine homers, and 45 RBI.  Even if you believe these numbers are purely fueled by the hitting environment, you should take into account, he hit just .224/.267/.341 in the same place last year.

You’re a bigger believer these numbers are more of an indication of Plawecki improving as a hitter when you consider who he has played since his recent call-up.  In 11 games, Plawecki is hitting .314/.385/.486 with three doubles, one homer, and three RBI.  Those numbers translate to a 128 wRC+.  Small sample size for sure, but the production is similar to what we saw with d’Arnaud in 2015.  Like d’Arnaud in 2015, that would be second to just Posey.

The real question is whether Plawecki can do this for the course of a full season.  The short answer is we don’t know.  However, he has earned a shot.

With his early career struggles, we forget there was a time when the Mets actually expected him to surpass d’Arnaud sometime in 2015.  He hasn’t really gotten the opportunity to develop to that point because he’s bounced all over the place with d’Arnaud’s injuries.  However, he’s gotten that chance this year, and he has actually improved.  The real question is if he’s improved to the point where he’s an everyday catcher.

We won’t know that until he plays everyday.  At a minimum, he’s earned that chance.  Moreoever, d’Arnaud’s poor play has created a window of opportunity.  Overall, the Mets should play Plawecki over d’Arnaud over the final few weeks of the season to see what they have in Plawecki.