Buck Showalter talks Mets' plan for Francisco Alvarez: 'It's not if, it's when'

As Francisco Alvarez continues to refine his defense while launching moonshots every day during batting practice at spring training, the question of what his Mets role will be this season continues to linger. 

On one hand, he can probably slide into the lineup on Opening Day and be a difference-making power bat from the jump.

On the other, the Mets will not have him in the majors until they feel he's ready defensively, as GM Billy Eppler explained last week.

How close is Alvarez's defense to being ready, and when might he be relied on in the majors?

Manager Buck Showalter, speaking with SNY during an interview that will air Thursday at 6:30 p.m. on Mets Hot Stove, discussed the latter.

"It's not if, it's when," Showalter said about Alvarez's arrival in the bigs.

But when asked if Alvarez could make the team of out spring training, Showalter hedged, saying that anyone has a chance to make it. However, as things currently stand, it's hard to envision Alvarez being on the Opening Day roster.

Speaking last week, Showalter noted that the 21-year-old was continuing to add "more stripes" to his uniform as he continues to develop, making it sound as if it was a long shot the catcher would crack the roster right away.

Had the Mets not signed Omar Narvaez, Alvarez would have a clear path to a roster spot. But Narvaez and Tomas Nido are the Mets' two catchers as of now.

If the Mets had a big need for a right-handed DH option (which Alvarez can be when he's not behind the plate), it would be a no-brainer to carry him and fit him on the roster even though it would mean taking three catchers. 

But the Mets have Darin Ruf and Tommy Pham for the right-handed DH role.

What's clear is this:

When Alvarez proves he's ready, he should be in the majors. If that happens by Opening Day, the Mets shouldn't hesitate to have him on the roster. If not, he'll have to wait a bit for his opportunity. Either way, Alvarez should have a chance to make a significant impact on the 2023 Mets.