Francisco Alvarez cranked a huge walk-off home run against the Orioles on Monday night, sending the Citi Field crowd home happy by unloading on a 3-0 pitch in the bottom of the ninth.
For Alvarez, it was a highlight moment in a frustrating season that has included injury and a significant downtick in power production, but BT says if Monday’s heroics can be a launching pad for the young catcher, then the rest of the Mets season can take on a whole new feel.
“Alvarez represents, more than anyone else on the roster, the guy who still has real room to grow over the last 35 games and take this team to a spot they haven’t been,” BT said. “He has kind of floated beneath the radar of criticism. The Pete contract has been huge, Lindor’s bad start, there have been other stories. And he was hurt...last year, he had 25 home runs in 382 at-bats. Last night was just his sixth in 217 at-bats.
“This guy can elevate this team from an energy perspective, and a baseball production point...if this guy gets on a heater, it could change everything.”
Alvarez’s OPS is actually a tick higher this season than in 2023, as he has drastically improved his batting average, but if he can get the home run swing back and help New York score in bunches, then perhaps the Mets can become more than a fringe playoff contender down the stretch.
“If guys do what’s expected, and especially him,” Sal said. “This offense can be really good at its best.”