Francisco Álvarez has been entrusted with plenty as a 22-year-old catcher. It starts with him handling a rebuilt pitching rotation and controlling the opposition’s running game. But, Álvarez demonstrated he has the potential to be one of the best at the position. The Venezuelan backstop played in five games in 2022 and was called up in early April last year. He boasted a .209/.287/.437 slash, good for a 97 wRC+. Despite having 128 games of major league experience, the New York Mets might be willing to give an extension for their young slugger.
Francisco Álvarez Close to Signing An Extension
According to MLB reporter Hector Gomez, “Catcher Francisco Álvarez is close to signing an extension with the Mets. SNY’s Andy Martino reported that an extension “Would definitely make sense, but there’s close right now.”
Update from Álvarez on the Extension Rumors
“My agent hasn’t told me anything. So, I am assuming they haven’t had any types of conversations. They haven’t apporached me with any types of conversations. So as of right now, there is nothing.” Álvarez on the extension rumors.
Understandably so, but hopefully, this is slowly opening the door for both sides to discuss an extension. Álvarez is due for arbitration in 2026, and even with the details of the contract, the Mets will have to buy out all of his arbitration years. Plus, some of his free agency earned as a free agent in the open market. He is set to make $750,000 this season. Alvarez was considered one of the top prospects for the Mets, teasing some of his talent last season. Even though he only hit .209 with a 95 OPS+, he hit 25 home runs and 63 RBI, notably wearing down in the second half.
Álvarez Credits Ace for Improved Confidence
On July 23, Max Scherzer tied a career-high by allowing four home runs to the Boston Red Sox. After giving up a second homer to Tristan Cases, the rookie catcher and the three-time Cy Young Award winner, he shouldn’t have thrown a four-seamer to Triston Casas. Scherzer appreciated the comment and encouraged Álvarez to speak up more often.
“Max told me to share my opinions because they’re valid,” Álvarez said. “It doesn’t matter if we agree; just say it so it’s known what options I have. From there, I gained more confidence in saying what I was thinking.” That interaction with Scherzer and some with Justin Verlander provided Alvarez with what was missing from his game. He has the bat-to-ball skills, and he is a great defender. His seven defensive runs saved ranked fourth among catchers with at least 850 innings behind the plate.
He just needed to feel more comfortable sharing his baseball knowledge.
A Prime Candidate for a Breakout
Álvarez held his own in the Major Leagues. He will receive every chance to improve his game in his first full season. Few people around baseball boast the type of potential that Álvarez can provide at his age. It gives the Mets a reason to see if he can make good on it. If he can, he will undoubtedly get an extension to stay in Queens for the foreseeable future.
Main Photo: © Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
