St. Lucie Mets catcher Tomas Nido enjoyed a breakout season on both sides of the ball including winning the Florida State batting title with his .320 average. Nido threw out 42 percent of would-be basestealers, making him one of only two full season minor catchers to hit at least .320 and have at least 40 percent caught stealing.

Nido was selected by the Mets in the 8th round of the 2012 out of Orangewood Christian High School on Florida. Playing in St. Lucie allowed him to be close to family and friends including his mother who was able to watch him in person this year.

The 22-year old from Oviedo, Florida hit .320/.357/.459 in 90 games for St. Lucie with a career high 23 doubles, seven home runs and 46 RBI. He also lowered his strikeout percentage from 25.7% in 2015 to 11.4% this while raising his walk rate from 3.6% to 5.1%.

The Florida State League recognized Nido by naming him to their mid-season and post-season all-star squads. The breakout season saw the young catcher jump all the way to number 14 on our own Mets Top 50 Midseason Prospects.

MMN – First off, thanks for taking the time and congrats on a great season personally and as a team with St. Lucie.

Tomas – No problem. Thank you!

MMN – What was it like to be part of a squad that had a great second half and earned a playoff spot?

Tomas – Yeah, we didn’t finish how we wanted but to be a part of this team to begin with is a awesome! Great teammates and coaches. It was fun all year and the second half we were able to put things together at the end to win the second half.

MMN – What do you take away from your 2016 season, and what are your plans for the offseason?

Tomas – I had a lot of fun the entire year. I had a good year hitting and catching. It was a great experience and I learned a lot. My plan for the off season is going to the fall league and start getting ready for next year.

MMN – How much of a focus do the Mets coaches and instructors place on your catching skills compared to your plate approach and offensive skills?

Tomas – Definitely focus more of the catching side because that’s the priority but the hitting gets just as much.

MMN – What helped you succeed at such a high level on both sides of the ball this year compared to prior seasons?

Tomas – This offseason I worked out at Barwis and I think I prepared myself better physically and mentally. Taking every at bat one by one and not letting being tired keep me from having good at bats. On the catching side I worked hard and tried to improve from last season that I learned a lot.

MMN – What was it like to win a personal achievement like the batting title and when did you become aware of the fact you had a chance to win?

Tomas – It was awesome! All the hard work payed off. (I was aware that I had a chance once Rosario got moved up lol just kidding) but in all seriousness the last week of the season there had been talks about me not having enough at bats and the last 2 games I had to DH to be able to qualify and I think it wasn’t until the last two days that I actually realized I could win it.

MMN – Congrats again and mentioning Rosario brings up the next question I was going to ask, Which two teammates have impressed you the most this season and why?

Tomas – Rosario had an impressive year and it was awesome to be there and witness some of it. We have played together a couple seasons and we are pretty close friends so seeing him succeed is great! I have to say David Thompson, we were rivals in high school and now playing together is definitely fun! He had an insane year and pretty much anyone who got on base he would bring in. He’s defense was impressive as well!

MMN – What are some things you think you need to work on this offseason (and AFL) to take the next step in development towards becoming a MLB player?

Tomas – I’m going to keep working on my approach and my plate discipline. In the fall league I’m going to keep working on my catching and learning from other players who have more experience.

MMN – Is there a certain catcher now or when you were growing up that you tried to emulate?

Tomas – I’ve always looked up to Yadier Molina.

MMN – What do you think of Tebow signing with the Mets?

Tomas – Honestly that’s not my place to judge. He has a dream and if he can play, good for him. Everyone deserves a shot.

MMN –  What is the life of a minor leaguer like?

Tomas – Definitely not easy. Late/long travel. It all depends where you play at but its definitely hard to keep a good healthy eating plan haha.

MMN – Thanks for answering all my questions! Good luck in the AFL and hope to see you in Flushing some day.

Tomas – Thank you! I hope so too.

Both photos provided by Ed Delany