According to sources familiar with the matter, the are New York Mets exploring the possibility of a long-term contract extension with young catcher Francisco Alvarez. While there is no immediate pressure for either party to enter into negotiations, Alvarez has reportedly expressed openness to discussing such an extension.
Alvarez, at 22 years old, had a notable season with the Mets in 2023, emerging as one of the bright spots in an otherwise disappointing campaign. Despite a challenging August that affected his overall statistics, Alvarez showcased his offensive prowess by hitting 25 home runs and driving in 63 RBI. Notably, his defensive skills exceeded expectations, handling a veteran-heavy rotation with ease.
Reflecting on his performance in November, Alvarez acknowledged there were areas for improvement but viewed the season positively as a foundation to build upon. Currently under a team-friendly contract, Alvarez will receive pre-arbitration compensation for the next two seasons before potentially earning market value in 2026. The Mets have the option of three arbitration-eligible seasons before Alvarez becomes a free agent after the 2028 season.
While the concept of a contract extension for a player under team control for the next five seasons might seem unusual, the Atlanta Braves have set a precedent by securing team-friendly deals with their young talent. The Mets, however, have other priorities this offseason, including rebuilding their starting rotation and potentially negotiating an extension with first baseman Pete Alonso.
Although there is no immediate urgency to finalize a long-term deal with Alvarez, the willingness of the young catcher to consider such an extension is seen as a positive development early in his career. The Mets are currently focused on various offseason activities, including securing pitching talent and addressing contract negotiations with key players like Alonso.
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