Mets' Francisco Alvarez Tries Unique Catching Drill

Young catcher works on hand-eye coordination and pitch framing with frisbee drill.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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New York Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez has been spotted doing an unusual drill at Spring Training - catching a frisbee. The drill is designed to help improve his hand-eye coordination and pitch framing skills, as the shape and motion of the frisbee simulates the technique needed to properly receive pitches.

Why it matters

The Mets are hoping Alvarez, their talented young catcher, can take a step forward defensively in 2026 after an inconsistent 2025 season. Improving his receiving and framing skills could make him a more reliable option behind the plate.

The details

MLB reporter Joel Sherman captured video of Alvarez catching a frisbee, a drill that appears to be relatively novel for catchers. The thinking behind the drill is that the frisbee's shape and motion requires the catcher to display strong hand-eye coordination to snatch it, while also firming the wrist to keep the frisbee parallel to the ground - a motion that simulates the proper technique for receiving and framing pitches.

  • Alvarez was spotted doing the frisbee drill on Monday, February 9, 2026, at Mets Spring Training.

The players

Francisco Alvarez

A young catcher for the New York Mets who is looking to improve his defensive skills ahead of the 2026 MLB season.

Joel Sherman

An MLB reporter who captured video of Alvarez doing the frisbee catching drill.

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What they’re saying

“First, I hope this warms some New Yorkers battling the cold. Second, I always enjoy a drill I have never seen — Francisco Alvarez catching a frisbee.”

— Joel Sherman, MLB Reporter (Twitter)

What’s next

The Mets will continue to monitor Alvarez's progress throughout Spring Training as he works to improve his defensive skills ahead of the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Alvarez's unique frisbee catching drill showcases the creativity and innovation that MLB teams are using to help their players develop new skills. By thinking outside the box, the Mets are hoping Alvarez can take a step forward defensively and become a more reliable option behind the plate.