Francisco Alvarez Is Center of Attention in Return to Bigs

In his first game back from Triple-A, catcher Francisco Alvarez caught fire during the Mets’ 7-5 win over the Los Angeles Angels on Monday evening.

In four at-bats, Alvarez logged two walks and a clutch double in the eighth inning that sparked a comeback rally for the desperate Mets. He also scored twice. But before he saw a pitch in his first at-bat, he was welcomed back to the bigs with a round of applause.

“It felt really special to be able to get that reception from the fans,” he said following the win. “I’m super-appreciative of all the fans here.”

Alvarez, once heralded as a cornerstone of the Mets’ future after a breakout 2023 campaign that included 25 home runs and 63 RBIs across 123 games, has seen his power production fade over the last few years.

After struggling to replicate that impact in 2024, managing just 11 homers in 100 games, the downward trend continued into this season. In 35 appearances, Alvarez hit just three home runs and posted a .652 OPS before the Mets ultimately optioned him back to the minors in hopes of resetting his swing and confidence.

Speaking to reporters ahead of Monday’s matchup, Alverez said that he “learned a lot” from his time back in Syracuse.

“I think being down in Triple-A, what helped me was I learned how to be patient,” Alvarez said, via a translator. “I continued to work hard, continued to do what I needed to do, and just put in the time to eventually get back to the big leagues.”

Throughout his 19 games in Triple-A, Alvarez batted .299 with a jaw-dropping 11 home runs in 19 games, including seven in his last six games.

Alvarez’s return couldn’t have come at a better time, for both the Mets and the young catcher looking to reclaim his place in the lineup. He ended up throwing out a base runner, too.

With his power stroke seemingly rediscovered in Syracuse and renewed patience at the plate on display, Monday’s performance served as a reminder of the talent that once made him one of baseball’s most promising prospects.

Now back in Queens with a chip on his shoulder, Alvarez has a chance to rewrite the narrative and re-anchor his role in the Mets’ future.

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