Mets reward backup catcher Luis Torrens with a 2-year, $11.5 million contract extension

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — The New York Mets rewarded Luis Torrens with a two-year, $11.5-million contract extension Saturday on his 30th birthday, locking up one of baseball’s best backup catchers through the 2028 season.

“It’s special, honestly,” Torrens, speaking through an interpreter, said before Saturday night’s game against the Los Angeles Angels. “I’m really, really happy about it. Ever since I got here to the Mets, everyone has treated me great. I feel like I’m part of the family.”

Torrens was a journeyman who spent time in five other organizations when the Mets acquired him from the New York Yankees in May of 2024.

He quickly established himself as a defensive force, filling in for injured starter Francisco Alvarez and splitting time with Alvarez on a Mets team that went 89-73 and advanced to the NL Championship Series.

Torrens was a National League Gold Glove finalist last season, when threw out 20 of 49 runners (40.8%) attempting to steal, the second-highest caught-stealing rate in the majors. Per Baseball Savant, he led baseball with 12 catchers caught-stealing above average. He has thrown out four of seven attempted base-stealers this season.

“It’s huge, huge,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said of Torrens’ ability to control the running game. “He’s been a great citizen, a great player, one of the best, if not the best, backup catchers in the league. I’m proud of him and glad that he’s finally getting rewarded.”

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Colorado Rockies' Brett Sullivan (26), right, slides safely home while New York Mets catcher Luis Torrens waits for the ball during the seventh inning of the first baseball game of a doubleheader, Sunday, April 26, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — A fire broke out Saturday evening at a lab building on the University of South Florida campus in St. Petersburg, prompting an evacuation, authorities said.

The fire sent plumes of billowing gray smoke from the marine science laboratory building. No injuries had been reported, university police and the local fire department said. The cause of the fire remained under investigation.

University police said more information would be released as it became available.

First responders work to extinguish a fire at the University of South Florida campus Saturday, May 2, 2026, in St. Petersburg, Fla. (Luis Santana/Tampa Bay Times via AP)

Onlookers watch as firefighters work to extinguish a fire at the University of South Florida campus Saturday, May 2, 2026, in St. Petersburg, Fla. (Luis Santana/Tampa Bay Times via AP)

Firefighters battle a fire at the University of South Florida campus Saturday, May 2, 2026, in St. Petersburg.=, Fla. (Luis Santana/Tampa Bay Times via AP)

Firefighters work to extinguish a fire at the University of South Florida campus Saturday, May 2, 2026, in St. Petersburg, Fla. (Luis Santana/Tampa Bay Times via AP)