The Atlanta Braves dropped a series to the Miami Marlins only days after completing a sweep of the New York Mets. Sweeping Atlanta's rival breathed hope back into the season that perhaps the franchise was turning a corner. However, the series loss to the Marlins again highlighted all of the issues with this team and served as a reminder of why the 2025 season appears to be lost.
Now, the Braves will hand the Mets a chance at revenge when the NL East rivals begin a four-game series at Citi Field on Monday. Interestingly enough, New York prepared for the upcoming series by making a surprising roster move.
Mets Option C Francisco Alvarez to Triple-A Before Braves Series
The Mets have announced that catcher Francisco Alvarez has been optioned to Triple-A Syracuse.
The move is a surprise when considering the lack of options the Mets have at the position. Although he's struggled at the plate, it isn't as if New York is replacing the fourth-year catcher with a more proven option. If anything, the move to demote Alvarez gives the Braves' rival a lower offensive floor at the position.
In 35 games (123 at-bats) with New York this season, Alvarez has been slashing a pedestrian .236/.319/.333 with three home runs, 11 RBIs, and a 27.5% strikeout rate.
It appears that a big factor in his demotion is the fact that Alvarez has struggled not only at the plate but behind it as well. The defensive regression has been shocking and has left little value in keeping the starter on the field. A player once thought to be the future at the position became a consistent liability for a team that is in a heated battle with the Philadelphia Phillies for National League East supremacy.
The decision to option Alvarez isn't just about improvement; it is sending a message. One that warns the rest of the roster that contracts and rankings won't determine your standing with the organization. The Mets are attempting to make the most of their window and are willing to make any needed moves that offer hope of improvement.
That's an approach the Braves should consider in the middle of an awful 2025 season.
While it is true that Atlanta's front office and ownership didn't spend as needed, the more concerning piece is the continued acceptance of underachieving players. The Braves aren't even attempting to find superior answers or to sit down with failing pieces. It is a move the team must at least consider as the chances of turning things around continue to grow bleak.