Francisco Alvarez Stats

While the New York Mets' designated hitter role is undefined heading into spring training, general manager Billy Eppler said that catching prospect Francisco Alvarez is not a candidate. As things stand now, the Mets will head into spring training with a DH platoon of Daniel Vogelbach and Darin Ruf. But Eppler won't commit to that platoon. Vogelbach had an .829 OPS against left-handed pitching in 2022, while Ruf had a weak .413 OPS against righties. The Mets think Ruf will bounce back in 2023, and he has a career .891 OPS against lefties. Some other candidates to see at-bats at DH this year include Pete Alonso, Tommy Pham and Eduardo Escobar. The Mets want Alvarez to focus on his framing and receiving skills as a catcher, which is why he won't be in the DH mix.

4 days ago

The New York Mets have been big spenders, but they also remain committed to the idea of building from within long term. Top prospects Francisco Alvarez and Brett Baty don't seem to have a very good chance to make this year's Opening Day roster, but the team is reluctant to trade them. The Miami Marlins have tried multiple times to acquire Baty and were prepared to offer one of their young starters in return. The Marlins came close to landing Brendan Rodgers from the Colorado Rockies in exchange for starter Edward Cabrera, but it ultimately fell through. Alvarez and Baty are both highly attractive in dynasty/keeper leagues and could also be worth stashing in deep mixed leagues in 2023. Alvarez has the better shot to crack the Opening Day roster because of his ability to play both catcher and outfield.

15 days ago

New York Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez and third baseman Brett Baty will both be given a realistic chance to make the Opening Day roster out of spring training. But with more opportunity in left field this year, Alvarez likely has the better chance to begin the 2023 season in the big leagues. When it looked like shortstop Carlos Correa was signing with the Mets, the Miami Marlins were interested in trading for Baty and infielder Eduardo Escobar. Alvarez is considered the No. 1 prospect in baseball heading into the 2023 season, per MLB Pipeline, so it makes sense for him to have a pretty good shot at starting the year with the Mets. Baty is the team's No. 2 prospect. Alvarez (five games) and Baty (11 games) got their feet wet in the Show in 2022, but they should both see much more playing time this year and are considered key future pieces in Queens.

22 days ago