Francisco Alvarez and Mark Vientos Approach Crossroads of Potential Pre-Arbitration Extensions

Alvarez, the Mets’ highly touted catcher, has yet to fully realize his potential as the former top prospect in baseball. After a down year in 2023, the 22-year-old is focused on re-establishing his value. “I’m young,” Alvarez said. “I don’t have to rush.” While his name surfaced in extension rumors last spring, no agreement materialized. Alvarez, under team control for four more seasons, is determined to let his performance on the field dictate his future.

Vientos, on the other hand, is coming off a breakout 2024 campaign that saw him hit 27 home runs and earn All-Star consideration. The 24-year-old infielder, who has five years of team https://www.storenymets.com/collections/jake-diekman-jersey control remaining, expressed openness to an extension but acknowledged the complexity of such negotiations. “I like it here,” Vientos said. “I love playing in New York. I would love to continue playing with them for sure, but obviously, there’s a lot that comes with that.”

The Mets’ unique financial situation adds another layer of complexity. As a team well above MLB’s highest Competitive Balance Tax threshold, the Mets face a 110% tax on every dollar spent, making early extensions less appealing. Additionally, the organization’s ability to outbid competitors in free agency reduces the urgency to lock up young players prematurely.

David Stearns, the Mets’ president of baseball operations, acknowledged the challenges of negotiating pre-arbitration extensions. “Philosophically, I’m open to those types of deals,” Stearns said. “But they’re difficult to put together, which is why they don’t happen often.”

For now, both Alvarez and Vientos are focused on the upcoming season. Alvarez aims to improve his batting average and power numbers, while Vientos looks to build on his breakout year and solidify his status as a cornerstone of the Mets’ future.

As the Mets navigate these decisions, the performances of Alvarez and Vientos in 2024 will play a crucial role in shaping their long-term futures—both with the team and in the broader landscape of Major League Baseball https://www.storenymets.com/collections/kevin-herget-jersey.

As the New York Mets prepare for the 2024 season, two of their young stars, Francisco Alvarez and Mark Vientos, find themselves at a pivotal juncture in their careers. Both players, still in https://www.storenymets.com their pre-arbitration years, are eligible for long-term contract extensions, though the likelihood of such deals remains uncertain. Alvarez, the Mets’ highly touted catcher, has yet to fully realize his potential as the former top prospect in baseball. After a down year in 2023, the 22-year-old is focused on re-establishing his value. “I’m young,” Alvarez said. “I don’t have to rush.” While his name surfaced in extension rumors last spring, no agreement materialized. Alvarez, under team control for four more seasons, is determined to let his performance on the field dictate his future. Vientos, on the other hand, is coming off a breakout 2024 campaign that saw him hit 27 home runs and earn All-Star consideration. The 24-year-old infielder, who has five years of team https://www.storenymets.com/collections/jake-diekman-jersey control remaining, expressed openness to an extension but acknowledged the complexity of such negotiations. “I like it here,” Vientos said. “I love playing in New York. I would love to continue playing with them for sure, but obviously, there’s a lot that comes with that.” The Mets’ unique financial situation adds another layer of complexity. As a team well above MLB’s highest Competitive Balance Tax threshold, the Mets face a 110% tax on every dollar spent, making early extensions less appealing. Additionally, the organization’s ability to outbid competitors in free agency reduces the urgency to lock up young players prematurely. David Stearns, the Mets’ president of baseball operations, acknowledged the challenges of negotiating pre-arbitration extensions. “Philosophically, I’m open to those types of deals,” Stearns said. “But they’re difficult to put together, which is why they don’t happen often.” For now, both Alvarez and Vientos are focused on the upcoming season. Alvarez aims to improve his batting average and power numbers, while Vientos looks to build on his breakout year and solidify his status as a cornerstone of the Mets’ future. As the Mets navigate these decisions, the performances of Alvarez and Vientos in 2024 will play a crucial role in shaping their long-term futures—both with the team and in the broader landscape of Major League Baseball https://www.storenymets.com/collections/kevin-herget-jersey.

#1 Francisco Alvarez and Mark Vientos Approach Crossroads of Potential Pre-Arbitration Extensions