What does Francisco Alvarez’s Return to the Mets Mean for Venezuela’s World Baseball Classic Team?

The New York Mets optioned Francisco Alvarez to Triple-A in June after he had a .236/.319/.333 slash line through 35 games. However, he was recalled and played well in his first game back on Monday night. 

Alvarez went 1-for-2 with two walks, a double and two runs scored. Although it was just one game, if he can continue to produce, it would be a good sign not only  for the New York Mets, but also Venezuela’s World Baseball Classic team. 

It will not be easy for Alvarez to find at-bats, even if he is asked to participate in the World Baseball Classic. In 2023, Venezuela had Salvador Perez, Robinson Chirinos and Omar Narváez as catchers. Next year, the frontrunner to catch for the team is likely William Contreras. 

Contreras is a two-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger. He is one of the best catchers in baseball, but there is a chance he does not play in the World Baseball Classic. He has played nearly every day for the Milwaukee Brewers, and has caught nearly every game he’s played in. However, he is playing through a fracture in his left hand and may want to allow it to heal during the offseason. 

If Contreras does sit out of the tournament, the catching job suddenly becomes an interesting position for Venezuela. Perez figures to be the primary option, but if Alvarez can finish the season on a high note, he could end up joining the team and seeing some playing time. Perez is 35 and has played more first base than ever before since the last World Baseball Classic. His age is a factor, meaning the team could be looking for a reliable option behind him. 

Last season, Alvarez posted an OPS+ of 102 playing in 100 games. He can be a solid option, but he will need to prove he can be consistent now that he is back in the big leagues. 

Alvarez does have some traits that would make him a great option for Venezuela. His 1.88-second pop time ranks in the 93rd percentile in baseball, and is better than both Perez and Contreras. He is an average blocker behind the plate, posting 0 blocks above average, but is better than Perez, who has minus-13. 

Of the three catchers, Contreras is the best blocker behind the dish. He is also fourth in baseball in catching runners trying to steal, having thrown out 13 thieves this season. If Contreras is available, he would be the clear choice, but if his injury keeps him out, Alvarez has the goods to be a steady option behind the dish 

Contreras and Perez are both better hitters than Alvarez, and right now, he would be the third option if all three players were healthy and ready to commit to playing in the World Baseball Classic. However, there is reason to believe Alvarez can improve as a hitter after being called up again. 

He hit .299 with 11 home runs in 19 games in Triple-A. He spoke on how the stint in the minor leagues has helped his game. 

“I think being down in Triple-A, what helped me was I learned how to be patient,” Alvarez said, per SNY’s Alex Smith. “I continued to work hard, continued to do what I needed to do, and just put in the time to eventually get back to the big leagues.” 

Alvarez made an impact in his first game back, and now he will have to show he can keep it up if he wants to play a role for Venezuela in 2026. 

Photo:  Francisco Alvarez hits a solo home run in the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Saturday, June 21, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Laurence Kesterson)