One talking point for the New York Mets entering this offseason has been potentially dealing one of their few top young prospects for a superstar.
The top prospect the Mets have also just so happens to be the best prospect in all of baseball, per MLB.com. In hypothetical trade scenarios, Mets’ prized catcher, Francisco Alvarez, has been a name brought up. However, with the recent statements made by Los Angeles Angels general manager Perry Minasian that the team will not trade Shohei Ohtani, the Mets should not be moving Alvarez in any way.
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Why the Mets should not be trading Francisco Alvarez:
There are many obvious reasons why the Mets should not be moving Alvarez in any trades. His youth and potential as a 20-year-old over the long term are too enticing to give away. As noted, Alvarez was listed as the best prospect in baseball this year. His talent is undeniable.
The Mets lineup needs more pop and just overall skill added to it day in and day out in 2023, and Alvarez will provide that. Alvarez hit 24 home runs in 2021 and 27 in 2022. He has a ton of size at the plate to make him an overbearing presence as well.
Aside from his best trait, his power, Alvarez does offer a strong arm behind the plate combined with the ability to hit for contact. His batting average over three years of playing in the minor leagues was .274. The main area for growth with Alvarez will be his defense.
Lastly, as noted above, with Ohtani set to remain with the Angels, the Mets’ focus on adding elite talent now should be in free agency. Also, premier catches are hard to come by, and it looks as if the Mets have one. Trading him would also lead to a concern for this upcoming season at catcher for the Mets. They should be looking to keep their exciting, young talent in Alvarez, Brett Baty, and Mark Vientos while adding what they need, true difference-makers, with the money they will have to spend for free agency.