Carlos Mendoza Reveals Clear Leader in Mets Clubhouse After Sweep Against Yankees

One Mets player has proven that age is just a number when it comes to being a team leader.

Jun 18, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; New York Mets pitcher Luis Severino (40) (L) and catcher Francisco Alvarez (4) walk off the field in the fifth inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports / Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Many New York Mets fans believe Grimace has been their team’s good luck charm this month. And while that may be true, Francisco Alvarez’s positive impact is also being proven. 

The Mets improved to 22-3 in the past 25 games Alvarez has played in after Wednesday’s 12-2 Subway Series sweep over the Yankees. Over the past eight games (in which the Mets are 6-2), the 22-year-old catcher has hit .556 (15-for-27) with three home runs, four doubles, and seven walks. Since June 15, Alvarez has upped his OPS from .579 to .904. 

Before Wednesday’s game, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza noted that he has been equally impressed by Alvarez’s excellent defensive work as he’s been with his hitting.

When asked about the spark Alvarez has given New York since returning from the injury list on June 11, Mendoza said, “His ability to lead not only the pitching staff but his presence there in the dugout with the position players. And his at-bats of late... He has been on fire.

“He’s a leader,” Mendoza added. 

Carlos Mendoza talks about Francisco Alvarez's impact on the Mets and how he affects the pitching staff: pic.twitter.com/KIkL4zzm3P

— SNY (@SNYtv) June 26, 2024

Alvarez’s teammates were also eager to praise his influence after Wednesday’s win, with shortstop Francisco Lindor saying that the young backstop has been “very impactful” for the Mets since his return. 

“He has taken great timeouts to go to the mound and talk to the pitchers,” Lindor added. “And he has done a really good job of continuing to learn his pitchers.” 

"He's been very impactful."

Francisco Lindor talks about what Francisco Alvarez has meant to the Mets since coming back off the IL: pic.twitter.com/o1cOMd9IS4

— SNY (@SNYtv) June 27, 2024

Sean Manaea, who threw five scoreless innings and earned his fifth win of the season on Wednesday, also commended his catcher. 

"[Alvarez’s] confidence is the biggest thing that I’ve seen,” Manaea told reporters after the game. “You can't tell the difference between him and somebody with a lot of time. He's just done a very, very good job."

"You can't tell the difference between him and somebody with a lot of time. He's just done a very, very good job."

Sean Manaea talks about what has impressed him most about Francisco Alvarez: pic.twitter.com/34YfA1lexc

— SNY (@SNYtv) June 27, 2024

After a well-deserved day off on Thursday, Alvarez will look to lead the red-hot Mets to another series win against the Houston Astros this weekend. Jose Quintana will get the ball for the series opener on Friday.