Mets Catcher Álvarez Slims Down for Breakout Season

Dietary changes and renewed focus on conditioning aim to boost young star's performance

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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New York Mets catcher Francisco Álvarez has shed around 10 pounds this offseason by limiting his intake of traditional Venezuelan arepas in favor of healthier options like batatas, chicken, and broccoli. The 24-year-old is targeting a playing weight between 225-235 pounds, down from 245 last season, as he aims to improve his athleticism and durability for the 2026 campaign.

Why it matters

Álvarez is considered the Mets' catcher of the future, but his career has been marked by both promise and setbacks so far. This offseason transformation signals a renewed commitment to optimizing his physical condition, which the team hopes will unlock his full potential and lead to a breakout season.

The details

Álvarez made the dietary changes at the urging of his mother, who now prepares his meals. The weight loss is part of a broader effort to refine his skills, including working with hitting coach Jeff Albert to maintain the improved offensive approach he showed at the end of the 2025 season after a stint in Triple-A. Defensively, the focus has been on stabilizing his mechanics to enhance his throwing and receiving abilities.

  • Álvarez typically played at 245 pounds last summer.
  • He aims to maintain a weight between 225 and 235 pounds throughout the 2026 season.

The players

Francisco Álvarez

A 24-year-old catcher for the New York Mets who is considered the team's catcher of the future.

Jeff Albert

The Mets' hitting coach who has been working with Álvarez to maintain the improved offensive approach he showed at the end of the 2025 season.

J.P. Arencibia

The Mets' catching coach who believes Álvarez is on the verge of a breakout season and has been focused on stabilizing his defensive mechanics.

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What they’re saying

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— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.