From New York Post · · 1m 50s
How the Mets fixed Francisco Alvarez's defense
A simple posture change transformed the young catcher's framing and helped create one of baseball's best defensive tandems.
In brief
A simple posture change transformed the young catcher's framing and helped create one of baseball's best defensive tandems. Getting more upright in his squat reduced head movement and let Alvarez's quick hands do the work, dramatically improving his pitch framing. Originally reported by New York Post.
Mets catchers dominate the metrics
Since Alvarez returned from knee surgery in June, Mets catchers jumped from 12th to third in framing runs. They also climbed from sixth to fourth in overall fielding value.
“This could be the best tandem in Major League Baseball. You could argue it already is.”
A more upright squat changed everything
After his meniscus surgery, Alvarez adopted a more upright stance behind the plate. The adjustment cut down how much his head moved while catching pitches.
Less head movement, better framing
When Alvarez was bent over, his head moved too much at the catch. Now he stays stable and lets his quick hands do all the work.
“Once we were able to get to a good posture where his head wouldn't move, essentially all the leverage was going onto the glove.”
Curveballs before games, not fastballs
The Mets changed Alvarez's pregame routine to have him catch curves instead of fastballs. Waiting on the slower pitch helps slow down his motions overall.
Pairing with Luis Torrens pays off
Torrens was already one of the sharpest catchers in baseball. Together with the improved Alvarez, the Mets believe they have a Gold Glove caliber tandem.
Above average in nearly everything
The 24-year-old now rates above average in caught-stealing, framing, and pop time. Blocking pitches remains his one below-average skill.
But his bat has gone cold
Alvarez hit just .176 with a .561 OPS from August through mid-September, drawing boos at Citi Field. He insists the defensive work hasn't hurt his offense.
Streaky hitter with enormous upside
In June and July, Alvarez smashed eight homers with an .833 OPS. The Mets believe he just needs to stop pressing and trust his talent.
“There's not a lot of catchers who can do what he can with a bat in his hand.”
The one thing
Getting more upright in his squat reduced head movement and let Alvarez's quick hands do the work, dramatically improving his pitch framing.
