1 change Francisco Alvarez can make to become a legitimate MLB star

Philadelphia Phillies v New York Mets - Game Two
Philadelphia Phillies v New York Mets - Game Two | Adam Hunger/GettyImages

The hype surrounding New York Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez over the past several seasons as he worked his way through the minor league system was justified by his breakout rookie campaign this past season. From his advanced leadership skills behind the plate to his clutch at-bats, Alvarez has been everything Mets fans could've asked for through his first season.

While it's important to remember that Alvarez is still barely old enough to drink legally at 21 years old, he has already begun turning himself into a local star in Queens. However, there are some adjustments he can make this winter that can turn him into a bonafide MLB star next year with another year of experience under his belt.

Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez is a few adjustments away from becoming a Bonafide star

While Alvarez's power numbers were fantastic with 25 home runs to go along with 63 RBIs, he did struggle mightily at the plate during certain points of the season which led to his .209 batting average. There are some corrections that could be made to his swing to increase those offensive numbers and solidify him as the best catcher in baseball in 2024.

When Alvarez was pulling the ball last season, he was hitting an absurd .432/.432/.946 slash line with a 1.378 OPS which included 11 home runs with 32 RBI. His numbers were a bit more average when he hit the ball up the middle as he had a line of .257/.255/.533 with a .788 OPS that went along with an eerily similar 12 home runs and 25 RBI.

His struggles seemed to stem from when he would go to the opposite field with the ball, as he had a horrid .205/.205/.533 line with a .788 OPS. He also only had 2 home runs and 5 RBI when he went the other way, which could have greatly attributed to some of his offensive struggles last season.

A huge adjustment Alvarez can make with his swing this offseason could be being better at taking his swing the opposite way. With Alvarez honing more of a complete swing, it could prevent those prolonged slumps, similar to the ones he fought through this past season.

Schedule