New York Mets throwing Francisco Alvarez right into the fire

The New York Mets are bringing in every weapon possible for their pivotal series with the Atlanta Braves. That includes top prospect Francisco Alvarez.

According to Daniel Alvarez-Montes from El ExtraBase, the Mets are bringing up their top prospect as they look to add some breathing room in the NL East. Alvarez is getting thrown into the fire over the last few days of the season.

Francisco Alvarez could help New York Mets

Although he is just 20 years old, the Mets clearly feel that Alvarez can make a difference down the stretch. One can understand why based on his production in the minors, as he has posted a .260/.374/.511 batting line with 27 homers and 22 doubles in his 495 plate appearances between Double-A and Triple-A.

Considering that Mets’ catchers have been amongst the worst offensively in the game, it is a reasonable assumption that Alvarez can help. Their catchers have combined for a .216/.263/.293 batting line in 570 plate appearances, hitting just five homers. With that lack of production, it is not a surprise that there had been an expectation that Alvarez would eventually make his major league debut this season.

That it is coming in the midst of a pivotal series in Atlanta. The Mets are clinging to a one game lead over the Braves for not just the NL East, but a first round bye as well. It is a difficult situation for any player to be thrown into, particularly with virtually no time to learn the pitchers and acclimate himself with the opposition.

But Alvarez is the future at the position for the Mets. He is likely to be their starter behind the plate early in 2023, if not on Opening Day. These final few days will be a glimpse into the future, and just maybe, that future will have come early.

The New York Mets are throwing Francisco Alvarez right into the fire of a pennant chase. He could be the difference in capturing the NL East.