Rohan Patel

The Mets Have The Next Great Superstar On Their Hands, And He’s Only 20.

With the arrival of Steve Cohen, the New York Mets have had an influx of new talent through free agency and trades. However, the next great Mets star is right in their own backyard.

Signed in 2018 out of Venezuela for $2.9 million, catcher Francisco Álvarez has rapidly shot up prospect lists since his pro debut in 2019. Álvarez is currently the overall #2 prospect per MLB Pipeline and is in line to be the best prospect in baseball exceptionally soon.

Let’s dive into what truly Álvarez such a special talent.

The Bat:

In a position generally devoid of talented hitters, Álvarez has shined despite his young age.

2022 Stats (AA):

296 PAs

.277/.368/.553/.922

18 HRs /12.2 BB% / 24.0 K% / 148 wRC+

Álvarez has dominated AA pitching and has certainly lived up to his 70-grade raw power that scouts have clamored about for years. His 34 XBHs rank 2nd in the Eastern League and his 18 HRs rank 4th.

Álvarez has always been a strong power threat throughout his career, but he also has a mature eye at the plate. In his last two minor league seasons, Álvarez has posted a 13.1 BB%.

Another key to Álvarez’s success is his push to hit more flyballs. Álvarez bumped his flyball rate up from 39.2% to 45.4%. The bump in flyballs coincided with Álvarez’s improvement as a hitter, and it is a key recipe to his continued success.

Álvarez possesses a rare combination of both power and patience at the catcher position, which should help him have a lengthy career in MLB. If Álvarez continues to produce at this rate, we should see him in Queens in a heartbeat. Despite his impressive and refined offensive skillset, Álvarez also has a strong defensive arsenal that has only improved.

The Glove:

Despite being the most talented offensive catching prospect, Álvarez has also flashed a strong glove and arm, which has only improved. Álvarez has a 60-grade arm, which has helped him succeed at throwing out base runners. More impressively Álvarez has a 1.88 average-pop time which would put him in the 99th percentile in the MLB. His strong arm coupled with elite pop time gives him a strong defensive floor.

Going into 2022, Álvarez’s framing was his Achilles’ heel. Last year in Brooklyn, Álvarez had -6.7 Framing Runs, which was 6th worst in A+ Ball. However, Álvarez has worked to improve his pitch framing, and he has posted a ridiculous 6.37 Framing Runs, a 13-Run improvement from 2021. Álvarez’s improvement as a pitch framer has helped catapult his value.

Álvarez has also been praised by multiple Mets pitchers for his preparedness and game calling. Max Scherzer was greatly impressed by Álvarez during his rehab starts in Binghamton. Scherzer complimented his adjustments, as well as his ability to work with Max mid-game. Mets starter Carlos Carrasco also praised Álvarez’s game IQ, as well as Álvarez’s preparedness in his rehab starts in Brooklyn.

What’s Next?:

Álvarez’s production recently earned a promotion to AAA Syracuse, where he will most likely spend the rest of the year. However, some members of the Mets’ brain trust believe he could be in the majors by the end of 2022. Álvarez could provide a nice spark for a struggling Mets offense. If Álvarez sustains this production in AAA, we could see him donning the Mets pinstripes in no time.