Francisco Alvarez returns to the Mets lineup on July 24, 2025, after a monster rehab stint. Can his bat and glove fix the team's woes? Plus, trade rumors swirl.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
The wait is over. Francisco Alvarez, the Mets' fiery backstop and lineup linchpin, is officially returning to Queens. After a rehab assignment in Triple-A Syracuse that can only be described as utterly dominant, Alvarez is set to rejoin the big-league club, providing a desperately needed jolt of energy and offensive firepower.
In 21 games at Syracuse, Alvarez hit .299 with 11 home runs, 24 RBIs, and a staggering 1.129 OPS.
It's the news every Mets fan has been waiting for. Francisco Alvarez is back. His 21-game stint in Syracuse wasn't just a rehab; it was a demolition tour. He posted a video-game-like 1.129 OPS, clubbing 11 homers and driving in 24 runs. His return isn't just a sentimental boost; it's a strategic one. The Mets get their best defensive catcher back behind the plate and a middle-of-the-order bat that changes the entire complexion of the lineup. Expect an immediate impact on both sides of the ball.
While Alvarez's return plugs a major hole, the front office knows another one is leaking badly. The Mets' bullpen has been a source of major anxiety, with its collective ERA swelling to over 5.00 since the beginning of June. The trade deadline is fast approaching, and reports indicate the team is zeroing in on bullpen help. The name at the top of the list? Minnesota Twins reliever Griffin Jax. With 68 strikeouts in just 44 innings, Jax offers the kind of swing-and-miss stuff the Mets desperately need. His team control through 2027 makes him an even more attractive, albeit expensive, target. The clock is ticking for David Stearns to make a move.
The good news wasn't limited to the big-league roster. The future of the organization put on a power display Thursday. No. 7 prospect Ryan Clifford launched two home runs for Double-A Binghamton, his second multi-homer game of the season, reminding everyone of his immense power potential. Meanwhile, in Syracuse, outfielder Drew Gilbert continued his torrid season by collecting four hits in a single game. The consistent production from top prospects like Clifford and Gilbert is turning heads and making a strong case that more help is on the way.
The on-field success is being noticed. MLB Pipeline released its updated Top 30 prospects list for the Mets, and several players are making significant leaps. Right-handed pitcher Kevin Defrank skyrocketed from No. 23 all the way to No. 12, a testament to his development on the mound. Outfielder Hendry Mendez also jumped into the top half of the list following a strong performance in Double-A. This external validation confirms what fans are seeing: the Mets' farm system is getting deeper and more exciting.
It was a day of reinforcements, both present and future. With Alvarez back in the fold, a clear trade deadline strategy emerging, and the farm system churning out high-end talent, the Mets are gearing up for a crucial stretch. The pieces are moving, the energy is shifting, and the rest of the 2025 season just got a whole lot more interesting. All eyes are now on the front office to make the next move.
