Kevin Plawecki

Kevin Jeffrey Plawecki (/pləˈwɛki/; born February 26, 1991) is an American professional baseball catcher who is a free agent. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the New York Mets, Cleveland Indians, Boston Red Sox, and Texas Rangers.

Kevin Plawecki
Plawecki with Cleveland in 2019
Free agent
Catcher
Born: (1991-02-26) February 26, 1991
Hinsdale, Illinois, U.S.
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
MLB debut
April 21, 2015, for the New York Mets
MLB statistics
(through 2022 season)
Batting average.235
Home runs22
Runs batted in137
Teams

Plawecki starred in baseball for Westfield High School in Indiana. He then attended Purdue University, where he played college baseball for the Boilermakers, was named an All-American in 2012, and won the Big Ten Conference Baseball Player of the Year in 2012. The Mets selected him with the 35th overall pick in the 2012 MLB draft.

Amateur career

Plawecki was born in Hinsdale, Illinois, on February 26, 1991, to Jeff and Lynne Plawecki. He attended Westfield High School in Westfield, Indiana, where he played for the school's baseball team.[1] He was named an All-State Class 4A honorable mention at catcher in his senior year.[2] He was not selected in the MLB draft following his senior year of high school.[3] He enrolled at Purdue University, to play college baseball for the Purdue Boilermakers baseball team.[4]

As a freshman at Purdue University in 2010, Plawecki had a .343 batting average, a .384 on-base percentage (OBP), and a .529 SLG, with eight home runs. He was named a freshman All-American by Louisville Slugger[5] and the Big Ten Conference (Big Ten) All-Freshman of the Team.[6] Following his freshman season at Purdue, Plawecki played collegiate summer baseball for the Richmond RiverRats of the Prospect League, where he batted 65-for-211 (.308) with fifteen doubles and 27 RBIs.[7]

As a sophomore in 2011, Plawecki batted .341 with a .436 SLG, 2 home runs, and 39 RBIs. He was named first team All-Big Ten.[8] That summer, Plawecki played for the Hyannis Harbor Hawks of the Cape Cod Baseball League and was named a league all-star.[9]

In the 2012 season as a junior, Plawecki hit .359 batting average, a .445 on-base percentage (OBP), and a .578 SLG, with seven home runs. Plawecki was named the Most Outstanding Player of the 2012 Big Ten Conference baseball tournament and 2012 Big Ten Conference Baseball Player of the Year.[3][10] He was a semifinalist for the Johnny Bench Award in 2011 and one of its three finalists in 2012.[11][12]

Professional career
Plawecki with the Mets in Spring of 2015

New York Mets

The New York Mets selected Plawecki in the first round, with the 35th overall selection, in the 2012 Major League Baseball draft.[11] In 2013, he played for the Savannah Sand Gnats of the Single-A South Atlantic League.[13][14] He was promoted to the St. Lucie Mets of the High-A Florida State League, and to the Binghamton Mets of the Double-A Eastern League for the Eastern League playoffs.[15]

In 2014, the Mets invited Plawecki to spring training.[16][17][18][19] He started the 2014 season with the Binghamton Mets, where he hit .326 with six home runs and 43 RBIs in 224 at-bats.[20][21] Plawecki was selected to play for the U.S. Team in the 2014 All-Star Futures Game, along with Noah Syndergaard.[22] After batting .326 for Binghamton, the Mets promoted Plawecki to the Las Vegas 51s of the Triple-A Pacific Coast League on June 24.[21]

The Mets invited Plawecki to spring training in 2015, and reassigned him to minor league camp so that he could start the 2015 season with Las Vegas.[23] After Travis d'Arnaud went on the disabled list with a broken hand on April 19, 2015, the Mets announced they would promote Plawecki to the major leagues.[24]

Plawecki made his Major League debut on April 21, 2015, against the Atlanta Braves. He got his first career hit off Trevor Cahill and finished the game 2-for-4, with two runs scored.[25] During a game against the New York Yankees on April 25, 2015, Plawecki hit his first career home run off CC Sabathia en route to an 8–2 victory.[26] Plawecki became the first player to hit his first career home run in a Mets-Yankees Subway Series game.[27]

Plawecki began experiencing dizziness in June, which sidelined him from playing for several games.[28] He was demoted to the Las Vegas 51s on August 11,[29] and recalled on September 1 due to expanded rosters in September.[30] Plawecki finished the season with a .219 batting average with three home runs and 21 RBIs in 73 games played.[31]

Plawecki had surgery on his paranasal sinuses during the 2015–16 offseason to address his dizziness.[31] He batted .197 in 48 games for the Mets in 2016, spending the rest of the season with Las Vegas.[32]

In an April 30, 2017, game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park, Plawecki was brought in to pitch for the first time since he was 14 years old. He threw only fastballs, giving up four runs over two innings. One of those was Anthony Rendon's third home run of the game. The Mets lost 23-5.[33]

Plawecki suffered a broken hand on April 11, 2018.[34]

Cleveland Indians

On January 6, 2019, the Mets traded Plawecki to the Cleveland Indians in exchange for Walker Lockett and Sam Haggerty.[35] With the 2019 Indians, Plawecki appeared in 59 games, batting .222 with three home runs and 17 RBIs. He also made two pitching appearances, pitching a total of two innings without allowing a hit, walk, or run. On December 2, 2019, Plawecki was non-tendered and became a free agent.[36]

Boston Red Sox

On January 3, 2020, the Red Sox signed Plawecki to a one-year, $900,000 contract.[37] Overall with the 2020 Red Sox, Plawecki batted .342 with one home run and 17 RBIs in 23 games.[38] In early December 2020, Plawecki and the Red Sox reached a one-year deal for the 2021 season.[39] On February 17, 2021, he was placed on the COVID-19 injured list.[40] He made the team's 2021 Opening Day roster to backup Christian Vázquez.[41] Plawecki was placed on the injured list with a left hamstring strain on June 22,[42] and returned to the team on July 9.[43] Plawecki made 64 regular-season appearances for Boston, batting .287 with three home runs and 15 RBIs.[38] He also played in five postseason games, batting 1-for-7, as the Red Sox advanced to the American League Championship Series.[38]

On December 1, 2021, Plawecki and the Red Sox agreed to terms on a one-year contract for 2022, reportedly worth $2.25 million.[44] He began the season again serving as backup to Vázquez. Plawecki missed a week of action in late April, spending time on the COVID-related list.[45] He was again on the COVID-related list for two days during the first-half of July.[46][47] On September 17, Plawecki was designated for assignment, as the team added pitcher Frank German to the roster, and was released two days later.[48] Plawecki appeared in 73 games while batting .217 with one home run and 12 RBIs for the 2022 Red Sox.[38]

Texas Rangers

On September 21, 2022, Plawecki signed a major-league contract with the Texas Rangers.[49] In three games with Texas late in the 2022 season, he batted .273 (3-for-11) with one RBI.[38]

Washington Nationals

On February 12, 2023, Plawecki signed a minor league contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates organization.[50] He failed to make the Pirates’ Opening Day roster in spring training and was released by the team on March 27.[51][52]

On April 1, 2023, Plawecki signed a minor league contract with the Washington Nationals organization.[53] Playing in 24 games for the Triple-A Rochester Red Wings, he hit .256/.351/.342 with 1 home run and 6 RBI. On May 16, Plawecki exercised the opt-out clause in his contract and became a free agent.[54]

San Diego Padres

On May 20, 2023, Plawecki signed a minor league contract with the San Diego Padres organization.[55] In 33 games for the Triple–A El Paso Chihuahuas, he hit .276/.333/.439 with 3 home runs and 21 RBI.[56]

Texas Rangers (second stint)

On July 28, 2023, Plawecki was traded to the Texas Rangers in exchange for cash considerations.[57] In 10 games for the Triple–A Round Rock Express, he hit .294/.400/.324 with 2 RBI. On August 15, Plawecki was released by the Rangers organization.[58]

Personal life

Plawecki grew up in Westfield, Indiana, with his parents and younger brother. His father coached his youth baseball teams.[59]

Plawecki and his wife, Tayler, were married in November 2015.[31] They have two sons.[60] Plawecki is a Christian.[61]

References
  1. Nelsen, Chris (May 3, 2008). "Catcher is steady as a rock". Indianapolis Star. Retrieved May 20, 2013. (subscription required)
  2. "High schools". The Journal Gazette. July 2, 2009. Archived from the original on October 6, 2014. Retrieved May 20, 2013.
  3. "Meet Mets catcher Kevin Plawecki: Fiery, talented and in New York ahead of schedule". NJ.com. April 21, 2015. Retrieved April 21, 2015.
  4. Ambrogi, Mark (November 15, 2008). "Plawecki will head to Purdue". Indianapolis Star. Retrieved May 20, 2013. (subscription required)
  5. ""LOUISVILLE SLUGGER'S" FRESHMEN ALL-AMERICAN BASEBALL TEAM". www.baseballnews.com. Collegiate Baseball Newspaper Inc. June 9, 2010. Retrieved February 2, 2020.
  6. "Indiana, Michigan State, Minnesota, and Ohio State Earn 2010 Big Ten Baseball Individual Honors". www.bigten.org. Big Ten Conference. May 25, 2010. Retrieved February 2, 2020.
  7. "#26 Kevin Plawecki - Profile". www.pointstreak.com. Pointstreak Sports Technologies Inc. Retrieved February 2, 2020.
  8. "Six Purdue baseball players named All-Big Ten". www.purdueexponent.org. Purdue Exponent. May 24, 2011. Retrieved February 2, 2020.
  9. "#26 Kevin Plawecki". pointstreak.com. Retrieved September 23, 2021.
  10. "Big Ten Conference Baseball Record Book" (PDF). BigTen.org. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 28, 2013. Retrieved January 31, 2013.
  11. "Mets pick patient catcher Kevin Plawecki at 35th overall in Draft | mets.com: News". Mlb.mlb.com. June 4, 2012. Retrieved May 20, 2013.
  12. "Plawecki selected for Johnny Bench Award watch list - Purdue Exponent: Baseball". Purdue Exponent. March 8, 2012. Retrieved May 20, 2013.
  13. Dominitz, Nathan (May 10, 2013). "Plawecki's education continues with Gnats". savannahnow.com. Retrieved May 20, 2013.
  14. Lee, David (May 18, 2013). "Catcher Kevin Plawecki lifts Sand Gnats over GreenJackets | The Augusta Chronicle". Chronicle.augusta.com. Retrieved May 20, 2013.
  15. "Plawecki, Reynolds promoted to B-Mets". ESPN.com. September 2013. Retrieved September 30, 2014.
  16. "Nimmo, Plawecki are bats of Mets' future". New York Post. February 13, 2014. Retrieved September 30, 2014.
  17. "Backstop Plawecki impressing with Mets - MiLB.com News - The Official Site of Minor League Baseball". MiLB.com. Retrieved September 30, 2014.
  18. "Kevin Plawecki gives Mets' organization depth at catcher". Newsday. Retrieved September 30, 2014.
  19. "A Luxury For the Mets: Two Promising Catchers in d'Arnaud and Plawecki". New York Times. February 26, 2014. Retrieved April 21, 2015.
  20. "Heavy-Hitters: Dustin Lawley, Kevin Plawecki will be counted on to lead the Binghamton Mets offense". Shreveport Times. April 2, 2014. Retrieved September 30, 2014.
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  22. "Big league power highlights Futures Game rosters". Major League Baseball. Retrieved September 30, 2014.
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  24. "Mets to bring up Kevin Plawecki and Hansel Robles to replace injured Travis d'Arnaud, Jerry Blevins". NJ.com. April 20, 2015. Retrieved April 21, 2015.
  25. "Mets' Kevin Plawecki impresses in major league debut vs. Atlanta Braves". NJ.com. April 22, 2015. Retrieved April 25, 2015.
  26. Baer, Bill (April 25, 2015). "Plawecki hits first MLB home run as Mets win 8–2 over Yankees". NBC Sports Hardball Talk. Retrieved April 25, 2015.
  27. "Plawecki Makes Subway Series History with First MLB Homer". PurdueSports.com. CBS Interactive. April 25, 2015. Archived from the original on June 10, 2016. Retrieved April 29, 2015.
  28. "Plawecki is undergoing further tests due to dizziness". MetsBlog. June 11, 2015. Retrieved December 29, 2015.
  29. "Recker promoted; Plawecki to AAA, where he may play 1B". MetsBlog. August 12, 2015. Retrieved December 29, 2015.
  30. "Mets call up Campbell, Nieuwenhuis, Young Jr. and Plawecki; Activate Matz, Parnell and Goeddel". MetsBlog. September 1, 2015. Retrieved December 29, 2015.
  31. McCarron, Anthony (February 9, 2016). "Mets catcher Kevin Plawecki opens up about sinus surgery, friendship with Travis d'Arnaud". New York Daily News. Retrieved February 9, 2016.
  32. "Mets hopeful d'Arnaud, Plawecki will improve".
  33. Rieber, Anthony (April 30, 2017). "Catcher Plawecki does emergency mound duty". Newsday. Retrieved May 1, 2017.
  34. "Kevin Plawecki's hand is broken — and the Mets are in trouble". April 13, 2018.
  35. "Indians acquire C Kevin Plawecki in trade with Mets". ESPN.com. Associated Press. January 6, 2019. Retrieved December 2, 2019.
  36. Paul Hoynes (December 2, 2019). "Cleveland Indians solve catching logjam by signing Sandy Leon and non-tendering Kevin Plawecki". The Plain Dealer. Retrieved December 2, 2019.
  37. "Red Sox sign catcher Kevin Plawecki to 1-year deal, cut Sam Travis". www.boston.com. Boston Globe Media Partners, LLC. January 2, 2020. Retrieved January 2, 2020.
  38. "Kevin Plawecki Stats". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved October 8, 2022.
  39. Browne, Ian (December 2, 2020). "Red Sox avoid arb with Barnes, three others". MLB.com. Retrieved December 3, 2020.
  40. Adams, Steve (February 17, 2021). "Rays Acquire Chris Mazza, Jeffrey Springs From Red Sox". mlbtraderumors.com.
  41. Browne, Ian (April 1, 2021). "Red Sox finalize 2021 Opening Day roster". MLB.com. Retrieved April 3, 2021.
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  43. "Red Sox Roster & Staff – Transactions". MLB.com. July 2021. Retrieved July 9, 2021.
  44. Collins, Matt (December 1, 2021). "Red Sox and Kevin Plawecki avoid arbitration with one-year deal". overthemonster.com. Retrieved December 4, 2021.
  45. Collins, Matt (April 25, 2022). "Red Sox activate Kevin Plawecki off the COVID list". SB Nation. Retrieved April 25, 2022 – via MSN.com.
  46. @RedSox (July 11, 2022). "The #RedSox today placed C Kevin Plawecki on the COVID-19 Related Injured List" (Tweet). Retrieved July 11, 2022 – via Twitter.
  47. Cotillo, Chris (July 13, 2022). "Boston Red Sox roster moves: Kevin Plawecki activated off COVID list, Matt Barnes transferred to 60-day IL; Michael Feliz now a free agent". masslive.com. Retrieved July 13, 2022 – via MSN.com.
  48. "Red Sox Roster & Staff – Transactions". MLB.com. Boston Red Sox. September 2022. Retrieved September 20, 2022.
  49. McDonald, Darragh (September 21, 2022). "Rangers Sign Kevin Plawecki". mlbtraderumors.com.
  50. "Pirates' Kevin Plawecki: Latches on with Bucs". cbssports.com. Retrieved February 12, 2023.
  51. Kevin Plawecki: Released by Pirates cbssports.com. 2023-03-24.
  52. "Transactions".
  53. Zuckerman, Mark. "García gets chance to lead off, Plawecki signs minors deal". MASN. Retrieved April 1, 2023.
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  55. "Padres' Kevin Plawecki: Signed by SD to minor-league deal". cbssports.com. Retrieved May 20, 2023.
  56. "Rangers' Kevin Plawecki: Dealt to Texas". cbssports.com. Retrieved July 30, 2023.
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  58. https://www.milb.com/transactions/2023-08-15
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  60. "kplawecki26". Instagram. Retrieved February 8, 2022.
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