For many years, the catcher depth was a problem for the Mets. After developing Josh Thole, who made his major league debut in 2009, it seemed that the Mets would have a glut of riches in Travis d’Arnaud and Kevin Plawecki. While both did indeed make the majors, both struggled and have since moved on from the Mets.
One of the top talents available worldwide during the 2013-2014 international signing period, the Mets signed Venezuelan catcher Ali Sanchez for $690,000 and hoped that he would be able to develop into the next great Venezuelan catcher.