It is remarkable how a season can nudge a storyline into a place no one expected, especially for the New York Mets. Francisco Alvarez once looked like the rare young catcher who could anchor a staff with the calm of a veteran and the confidence of someone who already understood how to control a game. His glove felt like the safest part of the roster.
Then this past season arrived and turned that idea on its head. Instead of adding another layer to his defensive reputation, Alvarez watched a noticeable drop in the receiving skills that once made him stand out.