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Mets Catcher Francisco Alvarez Sets Sights on Bounce-Back 2026 Season
After dealing with multiple injuries in 2025, the 24-year-old is determined to stay healthy and make an impact for New York.
Published on Feb. 28, 2026
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Francisco Alvarez, the highly touted Mets catcher, is looking to put an injury-plagued 2025 season behind him and make a strong impact in 2026. Alvarez will be making his spring training debut on Saturday, as the Mets look to ease him back into action and keep him healthy throughout the season. The young backstop was hampered by a hamate bone fracture, a sprained UCL in his right thumb, and a broken pinky last year, limiting his playing time and production.
Why it matters
Alvarez is considered a key part of the Mets' future, and the team is hoping he can stay healthy and build on the promise he showed in his brief MLB debut in 2025. His development and ability to contribute consistently will be crucial for the Mets as they look to contend in the NL East.
The details
Alvarez will be eased into action this spring, with the Mets taking a cautious approach to ensure he's ready for the regular season. The young catcher was limited to just 68 games in 2025 due to the various injuries he suffered, and the Mets are determined to keep him on the field for a full season in 2026.
- Alvarez will make his spring training debut on Saturday, February 28, 2026, when the Mets host the Nationals at Clover Park.
- Alvarez suffered a hamate bone fracture during spring training in 2025.
- In August 2025, Alvarez sprained the UCL in his right thumb, which sidelined him for a period of time.
- While on a rehab assignment for the thumb injury, Alvarez also suffered a broken pinky.
The players
Francisco Alvarez
A 24-year-old catcher who is considered a key part of the Mets' future, but was limited to just 68 games in 2025 due to various injuries.
What’s next
The Mets will closely monitor Alvarez's progress throughout spring training and aim to have him ready for the start of the 2026 regular season.
The takeaway
Alvarez's health and development will be crucial for the Mets in 2026, as the team looks to the young catcher to be a key contributor. If he can stay on the field and build on the promise he showed in his brief MLB debut, Alvarez could be a major factor in the Mets' pursuit of a playoff berth.
