Francisco Alvarez Open to Extension with Mets

The Mets' young star catcher is interested in a contract extension.

The New York Mets may be able to keep one of their brightest stars for the foreseeable future.

Francisco Alvarez, the team's 22-year-old catcher, has been rumored to signing a long-term contract extension throughout the offseason. This has led to several conflicting reports regarding the matter; on Tuesday, MLB insider Héctor Gómez reported that Alvarez was close to signing an extension, only for SNY's Andy Martino to say that there hasn't been any progress.

SOURCE: Francisco Alvarez is close to signing an extension with the #Mets.

— Héctor Gómez (@hgomez27) February 20, 2024

But on Wednesday, Mets beat writer Tim Healey wrote that despite the lack of progress on an extension, both Alvarez and the Mets plan to discuss a long-term deal, although there is no rush. 

"They have expressed to each other an intention to talk about it - at some point, a source said, whether that is during camp, next offseason, or later," Healey wrote in his article on Newsday.com.

My takeaway from the Francisco Alvarez buzz: Per sources, both sides are open to an extension and intend to talk about it at some point.

More: https://t.co/ynkKlhe2XI

— Tim Healey (@timbhealey) February 21, 2024

As Martino put it, extending Alvarez would certainly make sense for the Mets. Despite having consistency issues at the plate, hitting just .209 with a .284 on-base percentage, the young catcher registered a .437 slugging percentage thanks to clubbing 25 home runs in his rookie season. He had just an 8% walk rate as opposed to a 26% strikeout rate, but if Alvarez improves his plate discipline, he can use that tantalizing power more often.

Where Alvarez really shined, however, was behind the plate; even in his age-21 season, he showed remarkable prowess in handling a pitching staff, pitch framing, and reacting to balls in his vicinity. Alvarez had an impressive seven defensive runs saved as a rookie, which combined with his still-developing power bat for a 2.7 fWAR.

As mentioned before by Healey, the Mets are in no rush to extend Alvarez at the moment, as he's making just $720,000 and won't be eligible for arbitration until 2026.

But if Alvarez continues to approach his tremendous potential, then the Mets will want to ensure he stays in Queens long-term. The fact that both sides are willing to discuss such a deal is certainly a good sign.