Alvarez ramping up after a right-thumb ligament sprain, taking batting practice and headed for a minor league rehab. If he returns by early September, it would be a massive boost for the Mets’ lineup.

Defensive progress remains uncertain; if he can catch and throw with the hand, his bat could reshape the DH/catcher decision and loosen a tight Mets lineup, but the hand healing adds risk to any rush.

The Mets’ DH logjam with Marte and Vientos factors heavily—Alvarez’s disposition will determine how the team blunts that squeeze and whether fantasy managers can time a late-season surge for Alvarez.

New York Mets struggle spirals into a seven-game skid, with 11 of 12 losses as they slip 5+ games back in the NL East and the playoff line. The offense remains gasping with runners in scoring position, and starters fail to give length, turning close games into unavoidable losses. In bullpen debates, Mendoza’s in-game decisions draw scrutiny—especially bullpen usage in high-leverage moments when Edwin Diaz hadn’t pitched in days. The episode pivots to potential shakeups and calls for internal upgrades from Triple-A, like Nolan Mlan or Brandon Sprro, underscoring the urgency to arrest a season that once looked hopeful.

The latest episode of the Rico Bronia podcast highlights several key developments as Spring Training heats up. Kodai Senga made a notable appearance, showcasing his impressive skills and health after some concerns last season. His two-inning performance and the introduction of a new pitch were particularly encouraging for Mets fans. Similarly, David Peterson also made a strong showing on the mound, which raises hopes for a solid rotation this coming season.

However, not all news was positive. Concerns over Brandon Nimmo's knee injury linger, with doubts surrounding his ability to remain healthy for a full season. Meanwhile, trade rumors swirl around Starling Marte, placing a question mark on his future with the team. The Mets' prospect rankings have also changed, spotlighting players who could impact the roster. The podcast ends with excitement for upcoming live events and a push for fan engagement through surveys and merchandise.

Brandon Sprout and Blade Tidwell are proving to be promising prospects for the New York Mets, showcasing their talent during spring training games. As the Mets look ahead to the 2025 season, the pressure is mounting for young players to step up and fill important roles, especially in the pitching rotation. The Mets' recent struggles highlight the need for these prospects to contribute significantly if the team hopes to achieve success. Meanwhile, injuries to key players like Starling Marte and Kodai Senga raise further concerns about depth and performance going into the season.