Francisco Alvarez has endured an extremely frustrating 2025 season. Light may be at the end of the tunnel, though, as he showed numerous encouraging signs Monday night. He played a crucial role in the dramatic 7-5 New York Mets victory over the Los Angeles Angels.

Prospect Hype Fizzles

Alvarez excelled at all levels of the minor leagues and quickly became a Mets top prospect following his signing at the age of 17. He displayed tremendous power as a young catcher, hitting 24 home runs in 2021 and 27 in 2022.

Alvarez rose to the top of catcher prospect boards and made his major league debut in 2022, late during New York’s playoff drive. He forced his way to regular playing time in 2023, playing in 123 games and clubbing 25 HRs in his rookie season.

Injuries and slumps plagued Alvarez in 2024. He tore a ligament in his left thumb in late April, costing him a month and a half of the season. He played in only 100 games and struggled with consistency, ending the season with a .237 average and only 11 homers and 47 runs batted in. Expectations of stardom vanished.

Aggravations Accentuate

Alvarez hoped to turn things around with a strong start. He pumped up the early-season excitement by insisting that the Mets would have the game’s best lineup. His availability and steadiness would have to improve substantially for this to occur.

Unfortunately, that didn’t happen. Alvarez once again got hurt, fracturing his left hamate bone in Spring Training. He didn’t make his season debut until late April. Pitiful hitting, terrible defense, and mind-boggling decisions followed.

Alvarez, following a quick start, fell into a hitting tumble. He went a month and a half without hitting a home run. His batting average sank into the .230s. He became a symbol of New York’s terrible production from the bottom of the order. A lineup expected to be one of the deepest became a black hole for outs once pitchers got past the fifth hitter.

Alvarez’s poor offensive production seemed to affect the rest of his game. He struggled with blocking pitches, throwing runners out, and calling effective games. He made an increasing number of mental errors, becoming a liability on the field, especially when compared to defensive whiz Luis Torrens.

Mets management responded by demoting Alvarez to Triple-A. A one bright star now faced humiliation and possible banishment. If he didn’t handle his minor league time properly, he might quickly be passed up in New York’s roster hierarchy.

Tears Up Triple A

Alvarez exhibited class and professionalism throughout his time at Syracuse. He could have easily sulked and refused to see this as an opportunity to reset. Instead, he reported immediately rather than taking the full 72 hours allocated to him

Alvarez dominated, hitting .299 with 11 homers in 19 games, looking unstoppable. He worked on his defense and became an exceptional leader. The Mets didn’t intend to bring him back right away, but he forced their hands.

Alvarez Immediately Pays Dividends

New York has performed miserably in the clutch. It has ranked at the bottom throughout the season, offering few signs of improvement. The top of the lineup has struggled with inconsistency with runners in scoring position. The bottom of the order has failed to produce in all circumstances.

Alvarez spoke to the Mets’ hitting potential in Spring Training, insisting it could match up with anyone. The lineup needed him to be a key factor to have any hope of living up to those words.

Alvarez didn’t show up for the first few months. Following his Triple-A reset, he displayed signs in his first game back that his bat may be ready to heat up.

Kodai Senga, in the early stages of injury return, struggled with command. He walked three in three innings, and New York fell into a four-run hole. Usually, early deficits have meant game over for the Mets.

Monday night proved a different story. Brett Baty hit a two-run power jack to cut into the lead, and Juan Soto knocked a huge two-run single in the seventh to tie the game. Alvarez participated in the rally, walking and scoring a run.

Alvarez saved his best for late. He doubled in the eighth and came around to score New York’s final run. He reached base three times, walking twice. He displayed significantly improved pitch selection, helping the Mets to achieve a colossal comeback.

End Of My Francisco Alvarez Rant

Alvarez has only played one game since being recalled, so it has been a small sample size. More is needed to make concrete conclusions, but the series opener against Los Angeles showed what New York can be.

Alvarez looked confident, a player expecting achievement. Before his demotion, he looked defeated and ready to fail. It is easy to forget that he is only 23, an age when many top players have yet to get their footing.

Alvarez, by getting on base, lengthened the lineup. It is no coincidence that Baty also had an excellent game. Young hitters feed off others who are performing. Belief and conviction are contagious.

Alvarez, if he can maintain momentum, will help the Mets achieve better results in the clutch. They will score more runs and win more of the close games that have often proved so agonizing. The lineup will move towards the declaration Alvarez made for it back in the Spring.

An Alvarez who is achieving will also give General Manager David Stearns much flexibility come the trade deadline. He will be able to focus on the rotation, the bullpen, and adding a center fielder. Stearns will have more chips to deal with and not have to worry as much about getting a power bat.