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Mets Demote Struggling Former Top Prospect to Minors

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Eric W. Bolin | Last updated Jun 22, 2025 2:28 PM ET

Francisco Alvarez was long considered the New York Mets' catcher of the future.

He still may be.

But right now, he's set to the Syracuse Mets' catcher of the present.

New York demoted Alvarez on Sunday, calling up Hayden Senger in his place. Primary catching duties fall to Luis Torrens, who started the season as the Mets' No. 1 as Alvarez was injured until making his debut April 25.

Alvarez slashed just .236/.319/.333 with three home runs and 11 RBIs in his 35 games. He also struck out 38 times.

Torrens' numbers are similar, but he largely isn't considered as having the upside as the 23-year-old Alvarez. Torrens is slashing .232/.309/.344. Senger is considered a defense-first catcher with limited hitting ability.

The Mets snapped a seven-game losing streak Saturday, beating the Philadelphia Phillies, 11-4. The skid allowed the Phillies to catch the Mets in the National League East standings. Both teams enter Sunday's finale at 46-31, tied for the division lead, 10 games ahead of third-place Atlanta.

Alvarez had spent most of the last two seasons as the Mets No. 1 catcher. In 2023, he clubbed 25 home runs while slugging .437. He took a step back last year, slugging just .403 and never quite looked right upon returning this season from broken hand he suffered in spring training this March.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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