In search of a backup catcher, the New York Mets and Chicago Cubs have recently discussed a deal that would have sent catcher Geovany Soto to The Big Apple, according to Andy Martino of the New York Daily News. That deal is unlikely to get done, though.

The 29-year-old Soto is batting just .195/.278/.345 in 194 plate appearances. He's arbitration eligible at season's end and is currently scheduled to become a free-agent after next season.

The team has also discussed potential deals to acquire catchers Ramon Hernandez from the Colorado Rockies and Kelly Shoppach from the Boston Red Sox, writes Martino. But with all three deals falling apart, the Mets may have to wait until the winter to revisit trade talks.

Whether [Josh] Thole is a starter, platoon player or backup will depend on who the Mets acquire. A source said that Soto might have become the starting catcher had the Mets acquired him, but Hernandez and Shoppach would have played less than Thole.