How Max Scherzer helped Mets' Francisco Alvarez improve as rookie

New York Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez recently revealed how he grew as a rookie last season thanks, in part, to some words of encouragement he received from ace pitcher Max Scherzer.

"Max told me to share my opinions because they’re valid," Alvarez explained during a conversation with Manuel Gomez of NJ Advance Media for NJ.com. "It doesn’t matter if we agree, just say it so it’s known what opinions I have. From there, I gained more confidence in saying what I was thinking."

Specifically, Alvarez noted how he was "somewhat timid" speaking with stars such as Scherzer and future Hall of Famer Justin Verlander until the 22-year-old approached Scherzer after the three-time Cy Young Award winner had surrendered a fourth home run during a July defeat against the Boston Red Sox. 

Thanks to the interaction that occurred shortly before both Scherzer and Verlander were traded as part of a summer fire sale, Alvarez is now more comfortable speaking his mind with his current teammates. 

"I learned to not be afraid to say what I’m thinking because no idea is stupid or invalid," Alvarez said. "All ideas have value whether they’re big or small. If you have an opinion that can help any pitcher, no matter who it is, you have to say it. I used to shy away from those things, but now I take them on. I embrace them."

Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns is hoping Alvarez's continued improvements as an all-around player will help the club compete for at least a playoff berth this year coming off what many fans consider to be an underwhelming offseason for the organization.

According to StatMuse, Alvarez finished the 2023 season second in all of the MLB among catchers with 25 home runs. While he drove in 63 runs, he also batted just .209 for the campaign.

New manager Carlos Mendoza only joined the Mets this past November but already sees "leadership abilities" regarding how Alvarez communicates with pitchers.

"In the early going, you can see him invested with the pitching staff (and) with the pitching coaches," Mendoza said about Alvarez. "And that’s important to build those relationships."

The Mets may need Alvarez to be ahead of schedule if they are to avoid becoming sellers for a second consecutive summer.