Francisco Alvarez is facing a tough season with the New York Mets, struggling at the plate and seeing his playing time reduced. His performance against fastballs has been particularly disappointing, with a slugging percentage of just .275. After sitting out two games, Alvarez got a chance to start again on Monday during a game against the Chicago White Sox.
In this game, he grounded out on his first two at-bats but managed to make a significant contribution in the eighth inning. He hit a leadoff single, which helped spark a game-tying rally, showcasing his potential with a solid 109 mph line drive off a 97 mph fastball. The Mets eventually won the game 2-1.
Alvarez acknowledged his struggles but remains optimistic. He stated, “It’s still early in the year. We shouldn’t talk about numbers now.” He believes he will find his rhythm as the season progresses. Despite a recent slump where he went 2-for-25, he insists he is calm and confident in his abilities.
Manager Carlos Mendoza noted that Alvarez’s inconsistency is a concern, especially regarding his timing against fastballs. Last season, he had a .534 slugging percentage against these pitches, a stark contrast to this year’s performance. Mendoza emphasized that Alvarez is still adjusting to swing changes he made in the offseason, which have contributed to his current challenges.
The Mets are hopeful that Alvarez can regain his form. With his average exit velocity at a career-best 92.1 mph, there are signs that he can bounce back. Mendoza remains supportive, stating that adjustments take time, especially after Alvarez missed a significant portion of spring training due to a fractured hamate bone.
As the season unfolds, the Mets will closely monitor Alvarez’s progress, hoping he can reclaim his spot as a key player on the team.
