C - New York Mets
- Age 24
- Bats: R
- Throws: R
Availability
Alvarez was lifted from Thursday's Grapefruit League game with back tightness but will return to the lineup Saturday, starting behind the plate and batting ninth against the Astros.
Fantasy Impact
Assuming no further setbacks, Alvarez is expected to be ready to catch Freddy Peralta on Opening Day.
Francisco Alvarez (back) may return to the Mets' lineup Saturday.
Fantasy Impact
Alvarez exited Thursday's game early, understandably causing concern for the oft-injured catcher. However, it appears he has avoided anything significant, with the club labelling the issue as back tightness. Alvarez should return to action over the weekend.
Catcher Francisco Alvarez (undisclosed) was removed in the fourth inning of Thursday's game for an undisclosed reason. According to the Mets' lineup card, Alvarez was scheduled to play all nine innings.
Fantasy Impact
Uh oh. While the reason Alvarez was lifted has not been announced, it's not a good sign considering the health issues the young catcher has dealt with in his career. The 24-year-old entered the night hitting .381 (8-of-21) with three doubles, a home run, and four RBI in nine games this spring. It's quite possible that it could turn out to be nothing, but it's certainly a situation to monitor considering Opening Day is a week away.
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said Francisco Alvarez will be "slow played" this spring.
Fantasy Impact
Alvarez was limited to just 76 games last season. He recently said he intends to keep using his old batting stance that he “re-adopted after returning from his demotion to Triple-A last year.”
Francisco Alvarez and the New York Mets agreed on a one-year, $2.4 million contract to avoid arbitration.
Fantasy Impact
Alvarez battled through an injury-plagued 2025 season that saw him only appear in 76 games for the Mets. He still managed to hit .256 with 11 home runs and 32 RBI across 277 plate appearances. While the batting average may never be great, the power is certainly there as evidenced by his 25 home runs in 123 games for the Mets in 2023. He underwent thumb surgery early in the offseason and should be ready for Opening Day. If he stays healthy, a return to 25 home runs could definitely be in the cards for Alvarez.
