Mets' Carlos Mendoza Announces Exciting News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Michael DeFrancisco | Last updated Apr 9, 2025 11:51 PM ET

The New York Mets have sprinted to an 8-4 record to start the season. With three of their four losses within two runs, the Mets have looked like one of the best teams in baseball thus far this season. Their pitching has led the way while the bats have started slow.

But as teams begin to shake off the rust of the offseason and mold into shape, one question remains for the Mets: Can their offense become the unit it was hyped up to be? Many predicted this Mets offense to be one of the best units in the Majors. Due to some early season slumps and injuries, the Mets have not gotten going yet.

But that may soon change with the return of one of their youngest superstars.

That player is catcher Francisco Alvarez, who has been on the injured list since the spring with a fractured left hamate bone. Speaking with reporters, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza announced the exciting news that he is beginning a rehab assignment.

"I think it's going to come down to him catching back-to-back, hopefully, nine inning," Mendoza said. "Getting four or five at-bats. But the progression starts kind of like spring training. But the fact that he's going to start playing games and build competition, that's a good sign."

The hope for the Mets is that Jeff McNeil will begin a rehab assignment later this week

Francisco Alvarez will begin one tomorrow in Port St. Lucie pic.twitter.com/OsI7PKIl7H
— SNY (@SNYtv) April 8, 2025

The Mets will gladly accept the addition of Alvarez back into their lineup. The 23-year-old is an above-average offensive catcher with the potential to be elite. His 25 home runs in 2023 gave a glimpse into his ability to slug consistently.

Alvarez suffered a fractured hamate bone during spring training last month. Since then, he has been unable to resume regular baseball activities. His initial return timeline was six to eight weeks. The right-handed slugger went 1-for-3 in his first rehab appearance on Wednesday (via SNY).

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: