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3 once-reliable NY Mets players fans are losing their patience with

ByThomas Yorke|
Oct 4, 2022; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez (50) celebrates with second baseman Luis Guillorme (13) and relief pitcher Tylor Megill (38) and second baseman Jeff McNeil (1) and first baseman James McCann (33) and third baseman Mark Vientos (27) after defeating the Washington Nationals at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Oct 4, 2022; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez (50) celebrates with second baseman Luis Guillorme (13) and relief pitcher Tylor Megill (38) and second baseman Jeff McNeil (1) and first baseman James McCann (33) and third baseman Mark Vientos (27) after defeating the Washington Nationals at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images
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2. How long should we wait for Francisco Álvarez?

Francisco Álvarez exploded on to the baseball scene in 2023. Though he hit a mere .209, he belted 25 home runs in a little more than 380 at-bats. This was more than enough to lead all the National League catchers in this category. As one of the youngest players in Major League Baseball at 21 years of age, Álvarez’ future appeared to be unlimited.

On April 20, 2024, Álvarez sprained his left thumb following a stumble while rounding first base. Later that day, it was announced that he had torn a ligament in his left thumb and would need surgery. Álvarez wasn't activated from the injured list until June 11. Although he would only appear in 100 games that season, he still managed to connect on 11 home runs.

The 2025 season also got off to another rocky start for the young catcher. On March 8, he sustained a broken hamate bone in his left thumb during spring training. It also required surgery. The injury occurred during live at-bats while Álvarez was taking swings. He was activated from the injured list on April 24.

Álvarez has shown improvement in throwing out runners in the 2025 season compared to his previous years. He is considered an above-average defensive catcher overall, particularly excelling in pitch framing. However, he still has room for improvement in consistently throwing out runners.

Back-to-back seasons that began with thumb surgeries may have prevented Álvarez from returning to his rookie production. The Mets’ backstop is still only 23 years old, and power-hitting catchers are few and far between. Unless these injuries have caused damage that will impede his ability to reach his full potential, we have to give Francisco Álvarez the benefit of the doubt for now, or at least until we can see what he can do in a full injury-free season.