For Francisco Alvarez, some things are bigger than baseball. Those who are fans of the New York Mets’ catcher know family comes first. It’s a truth that has been inked right on his skin in tattoos dedicated to his parents. Now, the young star is about to welcome a new, little life into that family circle. This deeply personal milestone is prompting a savvy move from the Mets front office. The team is preparing itself for a very different sort of lineup change — involving a baby blanket.
Alvarez is a building block for the Mets in 2025. He broke out in 2023 with a franchise-record 25 homers for a rookie catcher. His career 5.2 Wins Above Replacement indicates just how valuable he is. Even this season, with a .237 with one homer, his mere presence is important. The young catcher has shown that he can turn a game with one swing. His defense, particularly a top-of-the-line arm that has caught 41.2% of base stealers, gives stability to an elite pitching staff.
The buzz became official with a tweet from MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo. He reported, “Francisco Alvarez and his partner are expecting a child any day.” In response, “the Mets brought Hayden Senger to Denver on taxi squad this morning.” This means Senger is with the team and ready to be activated instantly. It’s a smart, proactive step. The move allows Alvarez to be present for one of life’s biggest moments without leaving his team short-handed.
Francisco Alvarez and his partner are expecting a child any day, so the Mets brought Hayden Senger to Denver on taxi squad this morning. He’ll sub in if Alvarez needs to leave.
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) June 7, 2025
Hayden Senger is now waiting in the wings, ready to take his cue. The 28-year-old catcher has played in 13 games for the Mets this season. His offensive statistics are modest; he is batting .179 with a .421 OPS and no RBIs. On defense, he has been steady with a .986 fielding percentage with no passed balls. Senger isn’t here to be a star. He is a steady hand, familiar with the pitching staff, ready to handle his duties for a few games.
Can paternity leave reset Alvarez’s season?
Alvarez’s impending leave comes amidst a rough patch at the plate. He has struggled mightily over his past eight games, hitting a measly .080 (2-for-25). He also struck out nine times over that stretch. Underlying metrics suggest a larger problem suggest a larger problem, as all of his expected stats are well below league average. Defensively, a shocking fall from elite pitch framing (he’s now in the 2nd percentile) has opened the door to competition from other fine defenders. This unexpected dip has cost the Mets four runs. That’s a far cry from his Gold Glove-caliber past.
This has been a big story all season. It is another layer to his temporary departure from the lineup. Manager Carlos Mendoza has been transparent about the catcher’s struggles. He observed that Alvarez is struggling to catch up to fastballs. “Inconsistent, especially in being on time to hit the fastball,” Mendoza stated. Many believe his troubles are the result of offseason swing changes. The tweaks came after a fractured hamate bone issue in his left hand.
The Mets are navigating this situation while dealing with other key injuries. Outfielder Brandon Nimmo has been plagued by chronic neck stiffness. And third baseman Mark Vientos is on the Injured List due to a hamstring strain. Center fielder Jose Siri is also rehabbing a fractured tibia.
The pitching staff, however, has been the team’s saving grace. Despite their own share of significant injuries, they have remained elite. Pitchers such as Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas have been sidelined. But their team ERA is still one of the best in the majors. This type of depth is a credit to General Manager David Stearns’ strategic planning. Alvarez’s short absence, while planned, further tests the team’s depth during a demanding part of their schedule. It puts a microscope on their roster flexibility.
In other words, the Mets are making a smart move for a player at a pivotal life moment. As they manage without Francisco Alvarez for a little while, they rely on their strengths. The team is 41-24 on the year and sits in first place in the NL East. It has been their strong pitching that has propelled them. The temporary swap of Alvarez for Hayden Senger is a small footnote in a long season.
How will this “dad strength” impact Alvarez’s performance upon his return? We’ll all be watching to see.
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