Francisco Alvarez set two major goals this spring, which he says he got accomplished.
The first objective for the Mets catcher was to improve his throwing, after a rookie season behind the plate in which he was below MLB average against opposing base stealers.
On that count, the 22-year-old Alvarez’s strides were evident to the naked eye.
Alvarez threw out 8 of 16 (50 percent) of runners who attempted to steal against him in the exhibition season. Last season he was 15 of 114 (13 percent) in that category. The MLB average was 19 percent.
Secondly, Alvarez aimed for a better connection with his pitchers. That improvement isn’t quantifiable, but Alvarez says it has occurred.
And as Thursday’s scheduled season opener against the Brewers at Citi Field approaches, he is confident the improvements in his game will be most noticeable in the manner the Mets perform.
“This year I am working more on the team,” Alvarez said over the weekend in Port St. Lucie. “Last year my throws were bad, I worked on my throws, I worked on my footwork. I worked on the communication with my pitcher. This spring I came here and I wanted to be a good friend with my pitcher. I want to be a good person working with my pitcher.”
Alvarez doesn’t talk as much as his bat, but it’s his offensive potential that gives him a chance to become a truly special player at his position.
Last year he established a franchise rookie record for a catcher with 25 homers. And only Johnny Bench hit more homers (26) as a catcher in his age-21 season or younger.
Within the Mets clubhouse, Alvarez’s credibility has increased dramatically over the past year. No longer the top prospect that many teammates only heard about but hadn’t seen play, Alvarez has shown he belongs.
“Now he’s able to see the game from a completely different perspective because he has that experience,” Starling Marte said. “It’s almost emotional just to see what he does on a day in and day out basis.”
Alvarez is more in charge behind the plate than last season, when he arrived to the major leagues to handle a rotation that included future Hall of Famers in Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer.
The Mets’ rotation to begin the season still has a veteran look, but Alvarez’s authority has perhaps increased.
Alvarez said he is “proud” of a rotation that with Kodai Senga sidelined as he rehabs from a shoulder strain will include Jose Quintana, Luis Severino, Tylor Megill, Sean Manaea and Adrian Houser.
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Alvarez shared a few thoughts on each pitcher.
Quintana, the scheduled Opening Day starter, keeps it “simple,” and that appeals to Alvarez.
“I like his preparation,” Alvarez said. “I like when he sees something that he always knows when he can talk to me. That moment when he can talk to me.”
Severino, who arrived over the winter on a one-year contract worth $13 million, has quickly earned Alvarez’s respect.
“He’s a very good person and professional,” Alvarez said. “He always knows what he needs to do. He knows himself, and he knows what he can throw in different counts. He knows what he is doing.”
Megill worked on a cutter and splitter in the offseason and spring training. Alvarez said he’s been most impressed with the cutter.
“The cutter [Megill] throws to lefties … when he goes down and in to lefties he is very nasty,” Alvarez said. “The splitter, he doesn’t command it very well, but I think he can throw it because it’s a nasty pitch.”
Manaea, a veteran left-hander, has an open-mindedness that has impressed Alvarez.
“He is focused, and he knows how he can do better and what is working,” Alvarez said. “He is very friendly. He keeps his mind open. If I say something he will say, ‘Hey, let’s do it. Let’s try it.’ I like that about him.”
Houser’s command of his pitches has been to Alvarez’s liking.
“He knows where has to throw the ball,” Alvarez said. “He knows he has a very good sinker and he can throw the sinker anywhere. His pitches are very good.”
