Mets' Francisco Alvarez Will Be Out 6-8 Weeks After Undergoing Surgery on Hand Injury

The New York Mets received some unfortunate news during Spring Training and will reportedly be without catcher Francisco Alvarez for the foreseeable future.

Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reported Sunday that Alvarez suffered a fracture in the hamate bone on his left hand that requires surgery. He will miss six-to-eight weeks, which includes the start of the regular season.

Alvarez reacted to the injury with heartbreak emojis on Instagram:

The 2025 season is set to be the catcher's third full year with the Mets.

He wasted little time making a significant impact in 2023 while slashing .209/.284/.437 with 25 home runs and 63 RBI in 123 games. That type of power from a catcher is particularly valuable for teams looking to stretch their lineup, although he wasn't as much of a home-run threat in 2024.

Alvarez slashed .237/.307/.710 with 11 long balls and 47 RBI in 100 games last season and also took a step back defensively with minus-one defensive runs saved above average compared to plus-seven in 2023, per FanGraphs.

New York begins the season on March 27 against the Houston Astros, and a six-to-eight week timetable means its starting catcher likely won't be ready until late April or early May.

Luis Torrens is the other catcher listed on the team's active roster, and he would at least provide the Mets with a veteran option as they attempt to tread water without Alvarez.

Torrens has also played for the San Diego Padres, Seattle Mariners and Chicago Cubs throughout his career and appeared in 47 games for the Mets last season as Alvarez dealt with injuries. He slashed .229/.373/.665 with three home runs and 15 RBI in those 47 games.

New York could also look to sign someone to provide depth, but it is likely Torrens' job at the moment.