When Francisco Alvarez Will Start Catching Spring Games for New York Mets
He's getting close.
Although he has yet to catch during a spring game for the Mets in Grapefruit League action so far, that is about to change.
Top prospect Francisco Alvarez will likely be able to catch in games by Friday, according to manager Buck Showalter.
The Mets are being cautious with Alvarez, who had offseason ankle surgery, which is why he has only appeared as a DH in Grapefruit League play as of this date.
"We're just being cautious, like we said earlier, same thing, nothing's changed," Showalter said. "We targeted where he would catch and he's right on it... Yeah with his ankle. Everything else is fine. They said it would be a good idea to wait, so we will."
Alvarez made his major league debut in the final week of the season in 2022. The 21-year-old played in five games, slashing .167/.286/.500 with a .786 OPS and one home run. He also made the Mets' Wild Card roster as a DH option.
The Mets have already made it clear that they see Alvarez as a catcher and he will not make the Opening Day roster as a full-time DH. Alvarez will need to continue to develop his defensive skills behind the plate before he is deemed ready to be an every day player in the major leagues.
While he has yet to be able to display his catching in a spring game, he will soon have the opportunity to do so, which should come by Friday.
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