"I Love to See it": Brett Baty's Strong Comments on Mets Teammate
When Francisco Álvarez stepped to the plate in the eighth inning at Citi Field Monday night, the New York Mets didn't just need a hit—they needed a spark. Down 5–3 earlier in the game, the team had clawed back into a tie, and the stage was set for a defining moment. Álvarez, freshly recalled from Triple-A Syracuse, delivered it with a ringing opposite-field double that helped fuel a four-run rally and power the Mets to a 7–5 victory over the Los Angeles Angels.
It was a moment months in the making. The 23-year-old catcher had been optioned to Syracuse on June 21 after struggling at the plate and behind it. In 35 games prior to his demotion, he hit just .236 with three home runs, and his defense had drawn concern from Mets coaches. But instead of sulking, Álvarez put in the work—revamping his swing mechanics, sharpening his pitch framing, and refining his game-calling.
Over 21 games in Triple-A, he hit .270 with 11 home runs and 24 RBIs, showing renewed confidence at the plate and earning his call-up for Monday's opener against the Angels.
'He lives for the big moment, so I love to see it,' said third baseman Brett Baty, who scored the go-ahead run off Álvarez's eighth-inning double, which ignited the decisive rally.
Álvarez also impressed defensively, catching the entire game and throwing out Angels shortstop Zach Neto trying to steal second base in the seventh. From pitch sequencing to blocking balls in the dirt, his growth behind the plate was on full display.
'It felt really special to be able to get that reception from the fans,' Álvarez said after the win, speaking through team interpreter Alan Suriel. 'I'm super-appreciative of all the fans here.'
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza shared the sentiment: 'It was really special for us to see the reception from the fanbase.'
Alvarez stayed hot, homering in the win over Los Angeles on Tuesday before getting the series finale off on Wednesday — a game in which New York completed a sweep.
For the Mets, Álvarez's return represents more than a roster move—it's a reminder that setbacks can fuel progress. His clutch performance Monday night wasn't just a boost for a team chasing a playoff spot; it was the statement of a young catcher who embraced the challenge and came back better.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 24, 2025, where it first appeared.
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