The New York Mets have a good one in top prospect catcher Francisco Álvarez.
Despite a slow start at the plate, along with having work to do defensively when he first came up in April, Álvarez has come into his own in his development over the past month-plus.
As a result, the Mets cannot send him down when Omar Narváez and Tomas Nido are ready to return from the injured list.
Instead, the Mets could designate Gary Sanchez and Tomas Nido for assignment, or option Mark Vientos to the minor leagues to keep one of them for catching depth. Narváez is likely safe because he is playing on a one-year, $8 million deal that includes a $7 million player option.
But this is why they pay general manager Billy Eppler the big bucks because It's a difficult task to maneuver a roster.
However it gets done, the Mets must keep Álvarez and here are three reasons why:
1. Value Defensively
For the longest time it was said that Álvarez's bat was major league ready, but his defensive skills still needed work. Well since being called up on April 7, he ranks No. 7 in the league among all catchers in catcher framing runs (2) and strike rate (51.1%), per Baseball Savant. He also has shown off a very strong arm. Álvarez has been praised by coaches and teammates for his work ethic and it has shown in the improvements he has made behind the dish in a short period of time.
2. An Unpopular Move
According to SNY's Andy Martino, several members of the Mets' pitching staff have been clear about how much they enjoy throwing to Álvarez. A number of Mets pitchers have said Álvarez, who is still just 21-years-old, should stay, and one hurler even suggested that the staff will be angry if he gets sent down. Álvarez has options, which is why his roster spot is being discussed, but it doesn't sound like optioning him would be a popular move in the Mets clubhouse.
3. The Offense
This was expected: Álvarez is already one of the best hitting catchers in all of baseball since getting called up to the majors. Despite a slow start, his offensive numbers have risen to .238/.304/.464 with a .768 OPS, five home runs, 11 RBI and a 114 wRC+. He has also delivered several clutch hits in the past week, a ninth-inning game-tying three run home run against the Tampa Bay Rays, and a game-tying RBI single against the Cleveland Guardians in extra innings. Álvarez was the No. 1 ranked prospect in the game due to his bat, and we have watched his offense develop in front of our eyes at the big-league level.
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