It’s tough to replace a good catcher, but that’s exactly what the New York Mets will have to do in the early weeks of the MLB regular season.
Francisco Alvarez could be out for up to two months, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza told reporters on Sunday morning.
Alvarez has a fracture in the hamate bone on his left hand, which Feinsand writes could mean a six-to-eight week absence.
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The 23-year old was expected to continue his growth as the Mets’ full-time catcher. He hit 25 home runs two seasons ago, then another 11 in an injury-shortened 2024.
The only other catcher on the Mets’ 40-man roster is Luis Torrens. It seems almost a given that New York will look to sign or trade for additional catching depth.
Three notable veteran catchers are as of yet unsigned in free agency: Yasmani Grandal, James McCann and Yan Gomes.
It could be a tricky situation for the Mets, who know Alvarez will be coming back to be their long-term catcher. The franchise, while not shy about spending, won’t want to give up too many assets for a stopgap option.
After going 89-73 a season ago and knowing that the Braves and Phillies are strong divisional opposition, the Mets can’t afford a slow start due to an injury, though.
New York opens the season on March 27 with the first game of a three-game set at the Houston Astros.
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