Mets Luis Torrens continues strong start with two defensive gems

Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Mike Puma about the inside buzz on the Mets.MIAMI — After an offseason in which the Mets spent over a billion dollars, their best player through a week might be their $1.5 million ostensible backup catcher.Luis Torrens, who has been thrust into the everyday job because of Francisco Alvarez’s hand surgery, has been a surprising two-way force who slugged a home run Tuesday and made the play of the Mets’ six-game season in Wednesday’s 6-5, 11-inning win over the Marlins at loanDepot Park.In a game the Mets had just tied with a dramatic Pete Alonso home run, the Marlins were threatening to un-tie it against Edwin Díaz in the eighth inning.An infield single from Xavier Edwards presented an issue.

A steal and a wild pitch that brought Edwards to third presented a problem.Díaz struck out Kyle Stowers before Griffin Conine grounded directly to a shifted-in Brett Baty, the second baseman cleanly picking the ball and throwing home to cut down Edwards.

Baty’s throw was off line, on the first base side of the plate, and Torrens backhanded the catch, then flung his arm back across his body blindly hoping to collide with Edwards’ hand.It worked — eventually, at least.Edwards was called safe initially, and a Mets challenge overturned a call that still seems too close to call.The fact it was even close was a testament to an impressive amount of athleticism from a catcher the Mets picked up from the Yankees last season in exchange for cash.“Unbelievable play there,” manager Carlos Mendoza said.

“One of the biggest plays of the game.”Torrens was not finished.As Díaz — who struggles to hold base runners — fell behind Jonah Bride, Torrens caught the second straight ball and watched Conine take off for second base.

Torrens did not leave his stance, throwing a dart from his knees that brought his own body to the dirt.Baty caught the throw and slapped on a tag to...