Francisco Alvarez has expressed openness to a long-term extension with the Mets, signaling a mutual interest in securing a future together.
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- Francisco Alvarez has expressed openness to a long-term extension with the Mets, signaling a mutual interest in securing a future together.
- Discussions suggest a potential eight-year deal of around $75 million, aiming to buy out Alvarez’s pre-free agency seasons at a team-friendly value.
- Despite needing improvement in some areas, Alvarez’s impressive power-hitting capabilities make him a valuable asset for the Mets’ long-term plans.
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The Buzz Around Francisco Alvarez’s Extension
As the New York Mets look ahead to the future, one name that frequently comes up in discussions about long-term plans is Francisco Alvarez. The young catcher has sparked interest among fans and management with talks of a potential extension that could secure his place in Queens for years to come.
Interest in Extension
Francisco Alvarez has openly expressed his willingness to discuss a long-term extension with the Mets. This openness to negotiation suggests a mutual interest in securing a future that benefits both the player and the team. Alvarez’s performance, characterized by his impressive home run tally and RBI count in his rookie season, has positioned him as a promising talent worth investing in.
The Speculative Nature of the Extension
Initial reports about the Mets nearing an extension with Alvarez have been met with conflicting information. While some sources suggested that the Mets and Alvarez were close to signing a contract extension, others, including statements from Alvarez himself, indicated that there was nothing imminent. Alvarez noted that his agents had not informed him of any discussions, suggesting that while the interest in an extension exists, formal negotiations might not have commenced.
SOURCE: Francisco Alvarez is close to signing an extension with the #Mets.
— Héctor Gómez (@hgomez27) February 20, 2024
Potential Terms of the Extension
Speculating on the potential terms of Alvarez’s extension, comparisons have been drawn with other young talents across the league who have secured significant deals early in their careers. Given Alvarez’s age and potential, discussions suggest a deal could be similar to those of other young players, potentially ranging around eight years and $75 million, with incentives and options for additional seasons.
This speculative contract would aim to buy out Alvarez’s pre-free agency seasons at a value likely lower than his potential market worth in those years, providing financial stability for Alvarez while securing talent for the Mets.
Defensive Skills and Room for Growth
While Alvarez’s offensive contributions have garnered attention, his defensive work, particularly his framing skills, has already reached an elite level. Ranking in the 95th percentile for framing is no small feat and indicates his defensive prowess behind the plate. However, his overall defense requires further polishing, a common trajectory for young players adjusting to the major leagues.
A possible extension could position Alvarez’s salary in a team-friendly range, especially compared to the top earners in the catcher position. Such an approach reflects a broader trend in MLB, where teams secure young talents on potentially below-market deals that can prove highly beneficial if the player’s career trajectory continues upward.
