Mets hope for long-term stability at catcher position
By Anthony DiComo/MLB.com | January 27, 2024
The New York Mets have struggled to find a reliable long-term starting catcher since the days of Mike Piazza. However, they are hopeful that they have finally found stability behind the plate in Venezuelan catcher Francisco Álvarez.
Álvarez made his Major League debut in 2022 and returned at the beginning of the 2023 season. Heading into 2024, he is set to be the organization’s undisputed starting catcher. Although there are still questions surrounding Álvarez’s game, particularly about his batting, his performance in his rookie season, where he hit 25 home runs in 423 plate appearances, has given the Mets confidence in his abilities.
Despite his impressive rookie season, there are still areas of improvement for Álvarez, particularly in his batting performance. His anxious play and deep slumps during the previous season are areas that he will need to address going into 2024. However, at just 22 years old, there is still a lot of potential for him to develop and improve.
Omar Narváez, who signed a two-year, $15 million contract with the Mets before the 2023 season, will be Álvarez’s backup in the upcoming season. Although there were efforts to trade Narváez during the winter, his contract includes a player option that will see him return as the main backup for Álvarez.
Additionally, Tyler Heineman and Tomás Nido will also be vying for positions as backup catchers. Nido, who was sidelined last season due to a vision issue, will have to compete with Heineman for a roster spot. Despite experience in the major leagues, Nido’s role with the Mets remains uncertain heading into the 2024 season.
Looking to the future, the Mets also have high hopes for Kevin Parada, who was selected in the first round of the 2022 amateur draft. Currently in Double-A, Parada has a lot of power potential, giving the Mets options for the catcher position in the years to come.
Overall, the Mets are optimistic about the current and future state of their catching position, with Álvarez leading the way as the team’s promising young catcher.