The New York Mets face a significant challenge as they begin the season without their starting catcher, Francisco Alvarez, who is set to undergo surgery for a fractured hamate bone in his left hand. This injury, common among catchers, is expected to sideline him for 6-8 weeks. The Mets' president of baseball operations, David Stearns, indicated that, while the team hopes for a swift recovery, they anticipate Alvarez's absence may lean toward the longer end of that timeframe.

In Alvarez's absence, the Mets will rely on Luis Torrens as their primary catcher. Torrens has shown defensive prowess, boasting solid pop times in spring training, while also hitting .300 with two RBIs. Behind him, the depth chart features Jakson Reetz, Chris Williams, Hayden Senger, and Kevin Parada, none of whom have extensive big-league experience. The Mets are considering options to bolster their catching depth through trades, reflecting the urgency to adapt to Alvarez's injury.

New York Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez is set to undergo surgery for a broken left hamate bone, sidelining him for six to eight weeks. This injury comes as a significant setback for a team already dealing with numerous spring training injuries. Manager Carlos Mendoza emphasized the need for resilience, stating, 'Nobody's going to feel sorry for us.' Alvarez's absence is particularly impactful given his role in a lineup bolstered by the recent signing of Juan Soto. With Alvarez out, Luis Torrens is expected to step into the starting catcher position, a challenging task considering Alvarez's prior contributions.

Torrens, who transitioned from the New York Yankees last season, has limited experience as a starter, adding pressure to both him and the team. This injury follows others for the Mets, including left-hander Sean Manaea and right-hander Frankie Montas, both facing lengthy recoveries. The Mets, aiming to compete strongly after a hefty off-season investment, must now navigate through a wave of injuries that could hinder their performance early in the season.

New York Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez has been sidelined for six to eight weeks due to a broken hamate bone in his left hand, requiring surgery. This injury comes shortly after he missed a significant amount of the previous season with a torn thumb ligament in the same hand. Alvarez, just 23, showcased potential during the 2024 season, hitting .237 with 11 home runs. With him out, Luis Torrens will assume primary catching duties, while the Mets will look to other non-roster invitees as backups.

Injuries are affecting the Mets' roster beyond Alvarez. Key pitchers Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas are also dealing with injuries, complicating the team’s plans as they aim for another postseason run in a competitive NL East. The Mets recently bolstered their roster with the addition of Juan Soto, which adds pressure to perform, but the absence of Alvarez could be a significant setback in what promises to be a tightly contested division.

The New York Mets are enhancing their roster depth by signing catcher Chris Williams to a minor league deal. Williams, who was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in 2017, has yet to make his MLB debut but boasts a solid minor league track record with 95 home runs over six seasons.

Projected to start Francisco Alvarez, the Mets view Williams as a depth option, likely to play at Triple-A Syracuse. The team has also added utility player Jared Young and continues to seek improvements in their infield.