The New York Mets, expected to contend for a World Series after signing Juan Soto this offseason, have faced a series of injury setbacks, with the latest involving catcher Francisco Alvarez.
UPDATE, Monday AM: According to comments from manager Carlos Mendoza shared by the New York Post, Alvarez is expected to be sidelined for the full eight weeks due to his injury. Since the injury occurred on his glove hand and he plays as a catcher, the recovery timeline remains longer.
If this timeline holds, Alvarez should be back in the Mets’ lineup by early May.
SUNDAY AM: The Mets delivered disappointing news on Sunday, revealing that Alvarez needs surgery to repair a fractured left hamate bone. The 23-year-old catcher, one of the top young talents in the league, will be out for six to eight weeks.
Alvarez had an impressive 2023, hitting 25 home runs and driving in 63 RBIs in 123 games. Despite battling injuries, he contributed significantly last season, hitting 11 home runs in 308 at-bats and driving in 47 RBIs as the Mets reached the NLCS. He was expected to be a key part of the Mets’ lineup alongside Pete Alonso, Juan Soto, and Mark Vientos.
After signing Soto and bringing back Alonso, the Mets are positioned as World Series contenders, but injury woes have dampened their momentum. In addition to Alvarez, starting pitchers Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas, both acquired in free agency, are also slated to begin the season on the injured list.
If Alvarez’s six-to-eight-week recovery timeline stands, he could be cleared for baseball activities by mid-April. However, after needing a ramp-up period and rehab assignment, it’s likely we won’t see him in the lineup until early May.
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