The New York Mets 2024 season is set to kick off next week, and one notable MLB insider believes catcher Francisco Alvarez is set up to have a huge year and live up to the potential he showed as their farm system’s top prospect in 2022 and ’23.
Mets fans have been hearing the hype on Alvarez for several years. They got a small taste late in the 2022 season, however, last year they had a full campaign to view his immense talents. Without a doubt, the youngster has some work to do after hitting .209 in 2023, but he was still impressive nonetheless at just 22 years old.
- Francisco Alvarez stats (2023): .209 AVG, .284 OBP, .437 SLG, 25 HR, 63 RBI, 51 R
Heading into the new season there is hope the native of Venezuela can elevate his game and fill some more of the needs New York has in the batting order after the organization had a quiet offseason. Well Mets fans, it seems there is also a belief outside the organization that Alvarez can take his game to new heights in 2024.
On Tuesday, former MLB executive and current The Athletic league insider Jim Bowden took a look at the youngster around the sport that could have breakout performances this season, and the Mets starting catcher was near the top of his list.
“The young catcher has impressed by diligently working on all aspects of his game. A native Spanish speaker, Alvarez has also done an amazing job of learning English, which has helped him communicate better with his pitchers and other teammates,” Bowden wrote.
- Francisco Alvarez contract: Pre-arbitration until 2026, currently earning $720,000
“Most know about his raw power and ability to shut down the running game with his strong arm, but what stood out to me in spring training was how the Mets pitchers raved about his improvement in framing pitches and game calling, along with his work ethic and preparation. He’s doing all the right things off the field to have a breakout year on the field.”
Francisco Alvarez isn’t going to leap into being a .300 hitter this season, however, the lessons he took away from his first full season should pay dividends. But as a catcher, he has one of the most important jobs on the field, and if he can continue to round out his game to be a complete player that will be a huge plus to the Mets and a pitching staff that not much is expected from in 2024.