Francisco Álvarez could be Mets' biggest X-Factor in 2025
Why a potential bounce-back year for the catcher could be significant this season. Plus, a former Mets favorite finds a new home...
What’s up with the Mets? 🌴
The Mets had their first off day of spring training on Wednesday, but will be back in action against the Astros this afternoon
The OMG era is officially over. Former Met INF Jose Iglesias signed a one-year contract with the Padres. Iglesias will earn $3 million in the majors, and another $1 million in incentives (NY Post)
The Mets set a new MLB record in 2024 with a $333.3 million payroll, leading the majors in spending for the third straight year as a result. (AP)
OF Juan Soto will boast a 99 overall rating for the Mets in MLB The Show 25, which releases later this month. Francisco Lindor was given a 95 overall rating (MLB)
The Mets announced the launch of ‘Mets House NYC’ - a new pop-up experience in Union Square that will feature themed activities, exclusive merchandise, giveaways, interactive elements and more (MLB.com)
Today’s Game 🗓️
Match-up: Mets (4-6) vs. Astros (6-5)
Where: Clover Park, Port St. Lucie, FL
Starters: TBD vs. RHP Ryan Gusto (0-0, 2.25 ERA)
When: 6:10 PM EST
Where to Watch: SNY, MLB Network
Why Francisco Álvarez should be considered the Mets’ biggest X-Factor in 2025… ✍️
The New York Mets will need a slew of things to break their way in order to reach the World Series in 2025.
They will also need huge years from all of their star players, as well as consistent production from a number of role and depth players.
However, you can make a compelling argument that if the Mets really want to challenge the Dodgers in the National League this year, then a truly monster season from Francisco Álvarez will be required.
Put simply, the young catcher will be the biggest and most significant X-Factor for the Mets in 2025.
Some might think that statement is somewhat of a stretch given Álvarez’s struggles in 2024. After hitting 25 home runs the year prior, the righty bat could only manage just 11 homers in 2024. Granted, Álvarez did raise his batting average to .237. However, he was an automatic out on too many occasions, and the offensive regression was more than a little alarming.
A left thumb injury didn’t help, of course, but Álvarez also took full ownership of his struggles and went to work over the winter, reworking his swing and making some vital adjustments. He has put more onus on using the whole field instead of relying on his natural pull power.
That new approach could pay rich dividends for the Mets in 2025. If Álvarez is able to put the ball in play more, as well as rediscovering some of his raw power, then that will give this team a dynamic threat in the middle of the lineup. Opposing pitchers will already have their hands full dealing with Francisco Lindor, Juan Soto, and Pete Alonso at the top of the lineup, let alone then having to face a locked-in Alvarez.
We saw what Álvarez was capable of in September as he hit .254 with five home runs to go along with a .899 OPS. A fully healthy Álvarez with a dangerous new swing and approach at the plate could yield elite results at the plate in 2025.
There’s also the defensive side of his game too. Álvarez spent much of the winter also working on his mechanics behind the plate. He finished 9th in Framing Runs in 2024 after finishing 4th in 2023. He also regressed in a number of other defensive metrics in 2024, which could be attributed to a loss of confidence and rhythm following the left thumb injury. Overall, health, coupled with added work on both sides of the ball, should help to ensure that Álvarez has a bounce-back year in 2025.
On the advice of JD Martínez, Álvarez spent the bulk of his off-season training at Maven Baseball Lab in Atlanta to reinvent his swing. He has put in the work to become a complete hitter - now it’s time to put all of that work to the test facing big-league hitters. It’s hard to really determine the outcome of his reinvented swing right now, but if he is successful, we will certainly be able to see it in not just his numbers, but how he is achieving those numbers in his approach.
There are two other factors that could really help Álvarez shine this year, too. Having Luis Torrens as his backup for a full year will be huge. Torrens was a crucial pickup for the Mets in 2024, producing sizable and important contributions down the stretch both at and behind the plate. He’s able to carry the load behind the plate if required, and that ability to step in and be a contributor offensively and defensively will enable Álvarez to get his rest in when needed and stay fresh for the entire year. Also key is having Soto in the lineup. A lot of the offensive pressure has now been taken off of Álvarez’s shoulders, and that should allow the young catcher to play with more freedom throughout 2025.
It is easy to think that some of the bloom has come off the Álvarez rose following a tough 2024 season. But it is also important to remember that the slugger is still only 23 years old and he holds the record for most home runs by a catcher through age 23. Álvarez is still incredibly young and he’s only going to get better the older he gets. He’s still years away from his prime, which is a scary thought for the rest of baseball.
Staying healthy will be the biggest priority for Álvarez, but if he can accomplish that then the results should follow.
And, if he can use his new swing to put the ball more in play more with more singles and doubles, hit anywhere between 18-25 home runs, and get back to being one of the best framers in baseball, then he will emerge as perhaps the biggest and most consequential X-Factor for the Mets in 2025.
Furthermore, he will get back on track as it pertains to becoming one of the best catchers in Major League Baseball.
Around the League 🚩
Orioles star Gunnar Henderson has a mild right intercostal strain, but it is still hoped that he will be ready for Opening Day
1B Christian Walker was scratched from the Astros’ spring training game on Wednesday with left oblique soreness
Garrett Crochet delivered seven strikeouts across three dominant scoreless innings as the Red Sox beat the Rays
Former Mets catcher Tomás Nido hit two home runs, scored two runs and finished with four RBIs as the Tigers piled on 17 runs against the Phillies
I am happy for Nido. Alvarez needs a big year.
Very skeptical of Alvy
His defense was awful last year, as his blocking is about the worst in MLB, and this was pure lack of effort.
We went to 2 spring games last week and he played both. Did see some gains defensively, but he still swings out of his shoes and is pull happy. We saw one solid single the other way and a bunch of swings and misses.
Alfonso commented on his flaws last year, and I hope he listens to him and Torrens.
Just not sure he is ready to change