Mets' Francisco Alvarez's second-half surge is a 2026 fantasy siren

In the summer of the 2018 season, Francisco Alvarez signed as an international free agent with the New York Mets. He would fly through the minor leagues, making his MLB debut in September 2022.  

After being optioned back to Triple-A to start the 2023 season, Alvarez would not stay down for long. In June, he would pass Johnny Bench for the most home runs in the first 45 games of a season by primary-position catchers. 

This past season, while he did well after the All-Star break, he was bitten by the injury bug. He had issues with his left thumb, hamate bone in his left hand, and a right thumb and pinky injury, which he had to have offseason surgery to address. 

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Mets' Francisco Alvarez's second-half surge is a 2026 fantasy siren

With his injury history, it makes sense that some fantasy owners would be a little hesitant to draft him. His current ADP is 246, which is pretty low. 

If he could stay away from the injury bug this season, he could be a steal. Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter tags him as one of the most undervalued catchers in fantasy. 

"Alvarez has shown flashes, but he is still searching for a true breakout season to validate his elite prospect status. The 24-year-old posted a .921 OPS with nine home runs and 21 RBI in 41 games after the All-Star break last season, and that could be the springboard to a true breakthrough season."

Reuter believes that Alvarez can carry what he did after the All-Star break to this season, which would not only help fantasy owners, but also a Mets club that could use his bat. They have the pieces to be a true contender, but they will need a few to step up and really unlock their true potential.

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