Mets’ top prospect won’t be a ‘factor,’ Billy Eppler says

New York Mets prospect Francisco Alvarez will not be called up any time soon.
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It doesn’t look like Francisco Alvarez will be joining the major leagues any time soon.

But couldn’t the New York Mets use some catching reinforcement?

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Catcher James McCann is on rehab assignment. The Mets were unable to acquire Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras before the trade deadline. But Billy Eppler is still not ready to call up Alvarez.

Per WFAN Sports Radio:

“We have a young kid that all of you have asked me about individually, but I don’t think he’s at a point where he’s going to factor in right now,” the GM said.

For now, the Mets will work with the duo of Tomas Nido and Patrick Mazeika.

Alvarez is MLB’s No. 1 overall prospect, according to MLB Pipeline.

Alvarez is with the Triple-A Syracuse Mets, and in 17 games is batting .193 with three home runs and 13 RBI. Combine that with the 67 games he spent with Double-A Binghamton, and he’s got 21 homers and 60 RBI. He also played in the 2022 All-Star Futures Game.

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Here is his scouting report, via MLB Pipeline:

Even if he didn’t play a premium position at catcher, Álvarez would be one of the most exciting offensive prospects in baseball. His swing is whip-like from the right side and helps him barrel balls easily to all fields. He has tremendous raw power that is already been of use in games. His 24 total homers in 2021 were second-most among Minor League teenagers, and he would have hit for more if he didn’t play at pitcher-friendly Coney Island. The Mets may be most excited that Álvarez already knows the strike zone so well.

MORE MLB:

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- Padres-Nationals Juan Soto trade bodes well for Yankees’ Aaron Judge, MLB insider says

- Mets miss out on All-Star slugger as trade deadline closes

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Bridget Hyland may be reached at bhyland@njadvancemedia.com.

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