Álvarez flashed power and youth but also showed swing-and-miss risk, striking out in a key late-inning moment. He’s a dynasty asset with breakout potential if plate discipline progresses.

Alvarez represents a young upside bat whose late-season at-bats underscored Mets’ need for a stable catching presence, with his development and plate discipline closely watched by fantasy managers ahead of 2026.

Alvarez’s emergence for the Mets underscores how late-season power can buoy playoff pushes.

Alvarez was held out with lower-body cramps, leaving the Mets to rely on other bats while he nursed the issue.

Alvarez provided a two-run homer but otherwise the night belonged to the Cubs’ offense and Mets’ defense; his night highlighted the limited impact of a sole long ball when the rest of the lineup stagnates.