6 positives in a Mets season full of despair

2) The Baby Mets have shown us a glimpse of the future

The Mets are the oldest roster in the league, but it's been their youngsters that have stolen many of the headlines. Francisco Alvarez and Brett Baty have seized the starting jobs and established themselves as cornerstone pieces for the franchise.

Alvarez was asked to step up after free agent signee and presumptive starter Omar Narvaez's early season injury, and he has already proven himself to be one of the premier power-hitting catchers in the game. His success has led to Tomas Nido being designated for assignment, and even with Narvaez healthy once again, the veteran has only seen spot playing time when Alvarez needs a breather.

Alvarez's continued development is the most exciting thing the Mets have right now, and his exploits have already put him in historically elite company.

Baty hasn't put together the highlight reel that Alvarez has, but he's fit in seamlessly with the veteran Mets infield while acquitting himself well at the plate. He showed enough to take the starting third base job from Eduardo Escobar, and his steady play allowed the Mets to feel comfortable shipping Escobar to the Angels in June for two prospects.

Until Ronny Mauricio finally gets his call, the Mets won't have fully committed to the youth movement, but the early returns on the team's best prospects have been extremely encouraging, with Alvarez and Baty looking like two players that will be with the Mets for the long haul.