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3 NY Mets players trending toward a role change

We're already seeing signs of these three taking on a different role.
ByTim Boyle|
New York Mets v Washington Nationals
New York Mets v Washington Nationals | G Fiume/GettyImages
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3) Luis Torrens is less of a backup catcher and not just because of what he’s doing

Consider this a slightly positive turn of events with a tinge of negativity because of what it means for someone else. Francisco Alvarez was supposed to be Johnny Bench at the plate or at least some form of a power-hitter troll. Since becoming a regular in the Mets lineup in 2023, we’ve seen all sorts of versions of him. He hit for power in 2023 but for average. He improved his average and OBP in 2024 but was heavily void of power for a long period of time. This season closely resembles last with a large absence of hitting the ball a long way. He just doesn’t look or sound confident based on what he and others say. His double on Monday night in Los Angeles was only his third of the year in a season where just a single home run.

Fortunately, in his absence last year and this, the Mets have been able to get some amazing production out of Luis Torrens. Acquired in late May of 2024, he helped fill the gap at the catcher spot while Alvarez was sidelined with an injury. The Mets chose to keep him around rather than go on their tippy-toes to touch the ceiling Tomas Nido frequently showed he is limited to. Lucky for them. Torrens has been good enough to take the majority of starts for the club this year even if we should be cautious about handing him the starting gig.

Let’s not forget how badly Torrens played in the final weeks of 2024. His lack of offense might’ve been due to playing less. It went overlooked because of how dreadful the performance was by fellow Mets J.D. Martinez and Jesse Winker whose lone purpose was to hit. The benefit Torrens will always bring to the Mets is how well he plays the position. He can cut down runs with a tag at the plate many others physically wouldn’t be able to.

The catcher situation should be a fluid one with Alvarez taking a temporary step back. It’s too soon to completely give up on a guy who was briefly the best prospect in baseball. He just seems lost right now in a season where the Mets can ill-afford to let someone like Torrens sit.