March 9, 2026

Francisco Alvarez of the New York Mets flashed improved offensive numbers despite being limited by injuries in 2025. In 76 games played, Alvarez registered 11 home runs, 32 RBI, and posted a triple slash of .256/.339/.447. The 24-year-old catcher attacked opposing pitchers harder than ever with career-highs in Average EV (93.1) and Hard-Hit Rate (54.3%), leading to career-bests in batting average and on base percentage. Alvarez missed the beginning of the 2025 season after fracturing his left hamate bone during live batting practice in March and made his debut in late April after recovering from surgery. The New York catcher was then demoted to the minors after offensive struggles in late June and then returned to the majors in late July after a .299 batting average and 11 home runs in 19 Triple-A games. Towards the end of September, it was announced that Alvarez would spend the offseason recovering from surgery for a UCL tear in his right thumb. Will Sammon and Tim Britton of The Athletic reported in mid-February that the Mets' plan for Alvarez was to limit his spring training activities, including missing the first week of the Grapefruit League, and easing him back into catching. Alvarez is expected to be the Mets' primary catcher and is expected to be ready to go for opening day. ATC projections forecast Alvarez to hit 19 home runs with 57 RBI and 51 runs scored, and a triple slash of .233/.312/.419 in 429 plate appearances. NFBC players are drafting Alvarez at an ADP of 171. RotoBaller.com ranks Alvarez as No. 247 overall and No. 17 among all catchers. Although Alvarez has intriguing fantasy upside in the power categories, his injury history remains a major concern.--Sean Engel - RotoBaller