Francisco Alvarez cranked a two-run home run in spring training action on Thursday, leading Keith to double down on his belief that the young Mets catcher is poised for a major leap in 2024.
“Francisco Alvarez is a star in the making,” Keith said. “I think Francisco Alvarez can hit a bunch of bombs and be right there with Pete Alonso this year.”
Alvarez lagged in some key offensive metrics in his rookie campaign last season, but the power was certainly there, as he hit 25 home runs in 123 games. Meanwhile, Keith sees other areas where the Mets could get big years from incoming or returning players, and create a surprise season.
“Edwin Diaz is back. Guys like Harrison Bader and Luis Severino have something to prove,” Keith said. “I think, with the low expectation, the Mets have an opportunity to surprise some teams and their own fanbase. It’s not gonna be as bad as people think.
“They’re not a bunch of bums. They’re not a poverty franchise. They’re not the Oakland A’s.”