Francisco Alvarez takes next step on his Mets comeback trail with spring debut set

Observations from Mets spring training on Wednesday:

Back in Action

Francisco Alvarez played his first game of the spring, going 0-for-2 as the DH. He is scheduled to catch in a simulated game on a backfield in Port St. Lucie on Thursday and make his spring debut behind the plate for the Mets on Saturday.

Francisco Alvarez and pitching coach Justin Willard confer in the bullpen during Spring Training at Clover Field, Friday, Feb. 20, 2026. Corey Sipkin for NY Post

If At 1st You Don’t Succeed …

Mark Vientos went too far to his right on a grounder by Nolan Gorman in the first, but Grae Kessinger was there to make the play to end the inning.

Vientos also made a nice scoop on a long throw from Vidal Bruján in the fourth. 

Caught by Eye

Juan Soto sat next to Eli Manning on Tuesday night at a TGL golf event and said it was his first time meeting the retired Giants quarterback. “He’s definitely a humble man,” Soto said. “It was cool to talk to a legend like that.”

The conversation, Soto said, focused mainly on golf — although they chatted about New York, as well.

Thursday’s Schedule

Nolan McLean will make the start for the Mets, who face the Astros in West Palm Beach, Fla., at 1:05 p.m.