Mets option struggling Alvarez to Triple-A

The New York Mets optioned catcher Francisco Alvarez to Triple-A Syracuse on Sunday and recalled catcher Hayden Senger to replace him on the roster.

Alvarez, who was regarded as the Mets' top prospect in 2023, struggled through 35 games with New York this season. The 23-year-old owns a .236 batting average with a .652 OPS and three home runs.

"Very professional," Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said when asked how Alvarez took the demotion, according to SNY.

"He listened. Very respectful. Obviously frustrated because when you're in the big leagues and you get sent back down you don't want to hear that, but he took it very professionally and very respectfully, too."

Alvarez clubbed 25 homers in 2023, then regressed to 11 in 2024. He is on a one-year, $795K pre-arbitration contract this season.

Senger has appeared in 13 games for the Mets this season, producing a .179 batting average. He's hitting .240 for Syracuse.

The Mets close out a three-game set with the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday night. The winner contest will move into first place in the NL East.