By Matt Rappa, Sports Talk Philly editor 
Catcher Wilson Ramos will play in the National League East next season, albeit not with the Philadelphia Phillies. Sunday evening, the nine-year veteran reached a two-year contract agreement with the New York Mets, pending a physical, according to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal.
According to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, the deal is worth $19 million with an option for a third year. Ramos made $1.5 million last season between the Tampa Bay Rays and Phillies.
Ramos, 31, slashed .337/.396/.483 with eight doubles, one triple, one home run and 17 RBI spanning 33 games and 101 plate appearances with the Phillies last season. The club acquired him from the Rays on July 31, along with cash considerations, in exchange for a player to be named later or cash considerations.
The Mets were previously linked to Yasmani Grandal and J.T. Realmuto this offseason, but ultimately opted for Ramos. Per Rosenthal, the Mets met with Yasmani Grandal last week, but "did not want to meet price,"lose their second-highest draft pick, and surrender $500,000 in international signing bonus pool money. The Marlins demanded the Mets part ways with Amed Rosario, Michael Conforto or Brandon Nimmo in a trade for Realmuto, however the club declined such asking price.
The Phillies are among the teams also linked to Realmuto this offseason. They "kicked the tires" on Brian McCann before he signed with the Atlanta Braves, and reportedly were "not actively pursuing" a re-signing of Ramos.
15 catchers batted at least 400 times last year, Ramos’ .845 OPS was the best. Realmuto next at .825. With him, Cano, healthy full season of Conforto, McNeil as multi-position all yr, #Mets have chance for much improved offense. Perhaps Cespedes helps late.
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) December 16, 2018
Now, the Mets will feature Ramos and former Phillies prospect Travis d'Arnaud behind the plate in 2019. The Mets have also added this offseason second baseman Robinson Cano and closer Edwin Diaz from the Seattle Mariners. Diaz was a target of the Phillies as part of the Jean Segura trade, however New York ultimately acquired him before their division rival could.
The Mets will be Ramos' third National League East team he has played for. He played parts of seven season with the Washington Nationals from 2010 to 2016.
