New York Mets' Catcher Continues to Provide Hope Amid Lost Season

The New York Mets may be going through a lost year as a team, but rookie catcher Francisco Alvarez is doing his best to provide hope for the future.

The Mets hit five home runs on Tuesday in an 11-5 win over the Nationals, including getting one from Alvarez, who now has 22 homers on the year.

In addition to his 22 homers, he's also got 51 RBI, one stolen base and a .730 OPS. He went 2-for-3 in the win with three RBI. He also hit a double and scored three runs, and provided some pretty special history.

Per ESPN Stats & Info:

Francisco Alvarez is the 2nd primary catcher in MLB history with 20 HR and 50 RBI in a season at age-21 or younger.

The other? Johnny Bench in 1969

Francisco Alvarez is the 2nd primary catcher in MLB history with 20 HR and 50 RBI in a season at age-21 or younger.

The other? Johnny Bench in 1969 pic.twitter.com/cIH7VccawP
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) September 6, 2023

Considering Bench is a Hall of Famer, that's some of the most elite company you can be in. The Mets came into the year with World Series expectations, but have fallen flat and currently sit at 64-74. They are fighting to stay out of last place in the National League East.

If Alvarez can continue to develop at the plate, and if Bret Baty can do the same, the Mets have an exciting young position player core to surround Pete Alonso with. They also restocked the farm system in summer trades of Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer.

The Mets and Nationals will play again on Wednesday night. First pitch from Washington is set for 7:05 p.m. ET as Jose Butto (NYM) pitches against Joan Adon (WAS).

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