One of the reasons New York Mets top prospect Francisco Álvarez remains in the minors is his need to continue his development as a backstop. If the Mets aces are to be believed, he’s made tremendous strides as a receiver.
On June 30, Max Scherzer made his second rehab start with Double-A Binghamton. The primary focus was on Scherzer’s rehab and just how quickly he could return to the Mets, but there was also a very important question about how the ace felt throwing to Álvarez.
After all, Álvarez set the goal for himself to make the majors this season. With every homer he’s hit, there’s been a groundswell of fan support to have him called up to the majors.
However, as Buck Showalter cautioned during Spring Training, Álvarez needed to improve behind the plate before that could be considered. According to Scherzer, it appears Álvarez made strides.
Scherzer noted how Álvarez was familiar with the hitters and had a plan of attack. While they might’ve disagreed here and there, which is not unusual when a pitcher throws to a catcher for a first time, Scherzer noted Álvarez made adjustments.
Ultimately, Scherzer was “excited to see what he can do.”
In what has been bad news for the Mets, but a bit of serendipity for Álvarez, he would also get to catch Jacob deGrom. It is not often a top catching prospect gets the opportunity to catch two future Hall of Fame level pitchers pitching near the top of their game.
Again, Álvarez made the most of his opportunity. This time, he caught deGrom during his July 14 rehab start with Triple-A Syracuse. Like Scherzer, deGrom came away impressed.
Both pitchers noted Álvarez approached them to talk about how they wanted to attack hitters. During his postgame interview, deGrom specifically mentioned how Álvarez “did a good job” and “was a nice target back there.”
Some naysayers may want to write this off as veterans being encouraging or respectful. However, their statements echo what Josh Hejka told the MMO Weekly podcast.
Specifically, Hejka said Álvarez was his favorite catcher. He mentioned the hard work Álvarez puts in planning on how to attack hitters, and he lauded how Álvarez is a great target.
Overall, the consensus seems to be shifting towards Álvarez being a good target and putting in the work needed to plan how to attack hitters. We’re now seeing he can adapt on the fly and handle the best pitchers on the planet.
With pitchers liking throwing to Álvarez, that puts him much closer to being considered for a call-up. In a strange twist of fate, it may just be the Mets are waiting for him to start hitting at Triple-A to bring him to Queens because he’s already getting the stamps of approval from the two best pitchers in the game.
