New York Mets Rookie Continues Pursuit of Hall of Famer on Great List

At the time of this posting, the New York Mets lead the Chicago White Sox, 6-2, in the top of the fourth inning.

The Mets scored five runs in the bottom of the first inning, including getting a home run from rookie catcher Francisco Alvarez.

For Alvarez, that was his 18th homer of the season to go along with 37 RBI. He's also raised his batting average to .240 on the year by virtue of hitting .298 over his last 15 games and .409 over his last seven.

According to Sarah Langs of MLB.com, Alvarez is looking to pass Hall of Famer Johnny Bench in baseball history among catchers:

most HR in age-21 season or younger, AL/NL catchers:

1969 Johnny Bench: 26

2023 Francisco Alvarez: 18

1973 Darrell Porter: 16

1968 Johnny Bench: 15

(min 50% games at C)

most HR in age-21 season or younger, AL/NL catchers:

1969 Johnny Bench: 26
2023 Francisco Alvarez: 18
1973 Darrell Porter: 16
1968 Johnny Bench: 15

(min 50% games at C)
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) July 18, 2023

Any time you can pass (potentially) Johnny Bench, you're doing something right. Young catchers typically come up and focus on defense and gaining a rapport with the pitching staff so for Alvarez to excel offensively as well shows a lot about his development and maturity.

The 21-year-old has also been a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing season for the Mets.

New York entered play at 43-50 on the season and 8.5 games back in the wild card race. With just two weeks until the trade deadline, they look increasingly like sellers.

The Mets and White Sox will play again on Wednesday night with first pitch scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET.

Touki Toussaint pitches against Justin Verlander.

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