PORT ST. LUCIE — Spring training is typically when players start to put their offseason work into practice. When it comes to Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez, there is a lot he is putting into practice, since he worked on “everything” over the winter.
Alvarez overhauled his swing at a facility in Atlanta, moving his offseason training to the Peach State for the first time. In the past, he did his winter training in Miami, but on a recommendation from former Mets slugger J.D. Martinez, Alvarez worked at Maven Baseball Lab this winter. A second-half slump that saw him hit only .184 with seven home runs led him to make changes, seeking a more balanced approach at the plate. He also worked on defense, framing and strength.
But it was an emphasis he put on the mental side of the game that he thinks could be the most important change for him in his third big-league season.
“A lot of people want to get better. The body is going to get better in baseball, but I really think this game is mental, so I focused a lot on the mental part,” Alvarez told the Daily News. “I focus on what I want. I focus on clearing my mind and just having one goal.”
His one goal is simply to be the best version of himself that he can be. The best version of Alvarez is a well-rounded, power-hitting catcher, so his hit tool is crucial to his success and the success of the Mets. Alvarez’s swing has long been plagued by one particular issue, his hips “spinning out,” which can cause lazy fly balls. The right-handed hitter also gets pull heavy when he doesn’t stay through the middle of his swing.
Being more balanced at the plate will help him hit to all fields, and hit for power to all fields.
“He’s just got better direction,” said hitting coach Eric Chavez. “His direction is where it needs to be. He likes the work, he likes where he’s at presently. People look at certain numbers and they’re like, ‘Oh yeah, that’s it.’ But when you really break it down, is it something that’s sustainable? Is it something that’s going to maximize you as a hitter? And where he’s at now, it’s definitely going to maximize his ceiling as a hitter. Even though he was very dangerous before, for me as a hitting coach, I want consistency. Not so many peaks and valleys.”
Alvarez has experienced exceptionally high peaks and exceptionally low valleys during his big league seasons. That’s not exactly uncommon since the league’s pitchers eventually adjust to young hitters, but Alvarez would like to be able to better weather the highs and lows. The hope is that eventually, they aren’t as steep.
Those drastic ups and downs challenged Alvarez mentally in a way he didn’t expect. Alvarez wants to be able to better weather them, so a few months ago, his older brother connected him with a mental skills coach in his native Venezuela. He plans to continue working with him throughout the season.
“We just talk a little bit about if I do feel like [I’m] doing something wrong. I tell him, ‘I’m doing this, I’m doing that,’ Alvarez said. “I have somebody to talk to and I trust the guy. I can talk with him and help clear my mind.”
An open clubhouse helps as well. Team leaders Brandon Nimmo and Francisco Lindor have worked to cultivate a clubhouse where each player feels comfortable being themselves and expressing what it is that they need to be successful. Alvarez has often confided in Lindor, Starling Marte and has found solace in the fact that Mark Vientos has experienced the same waves right alongside him.
But a mental skills coach gives him an a professional confidant when needed.
“The mental part is more important,” he said. “I really need to focus on that.”
QUICK HITTERS
– Kodai Senga threw live batting practice Saturday, facing a handful of hitters for the equivalent of one inning. He used all of his pitches and had an “effortless” delivery, according to manager Carlos Mendoza. Throwing to hitters this early in camp is a positive indicator for the health of the right-hander.
– Mendoza spoke to outfielder Starling Marte before the right fielder arrived in camp about his role. With Juan Soto joining the Mets, Marte will move mostly to a platoon DH role and play in right field when Soto gets days off or is in the lineup as a DH. Marte plans to take reps in center field this spring, and the Mets are discussing using him in left to spell Brandon Nimmo on occasion. Marte is still dealing with the same knee issue that sidelined him for much of last summer. Though he’s healthy, he was still doing rehab exercises over the winter and the Mets say he’ll go through a progression during camp.
– Despite a crowded outfield, the Mets still plan to take advantage of Jeff McNeil’s versatility by using the infielder at all three outfield spots when the need arises. The Mets will utilize McNeil during double switches and to play in place of injured outfielders, but they’ll keep him at second base primarily.