The worst part of a professional sports season — even for the title winner — is that the team from one season to the next will never be the same. Inevitably, players, coaches and team staff move on as new people enter the organization.
For the New York Mets, the memories of a magical and fun 2024 season that once sunk to a 22-33 low in late May and ended on the precipice of a World Series berth will last forever. But that doesn‘t mean the ending isn’t an emotional gut-punch for players, especially for a group that genuinely liked each other.
Francisco Alvarez, the Mets’ 22-year-old catcher, is proof of that. Crying as he sat on the floor of the clubhouse after the Los Angeles Dodgers sent the Mets home after a 10-5 win in Game 6 of the NL Championship Series, Alvarez needed to be comforted by veteran Brandon Nimmo.
“We’re both sad that this season has ended and that this chapter has closed,” Nimmo told reporters of the message to Alvarez. “We love this team so much. … It’s tough. You put your heart and soul out there every night. When it doesn’t work out — when your best isn’t good enough — it’s a tough pill to swallow. But just telling him he’s an amazing player. He has so much to look forward to. I can’t wait to continue to be his teammate. But also just agreeing on it, consoling each other on the fact that this chapter is closed.”
Alvarez made the last out of the Mets’ season during a day in which he went 2 for 3 with an RBI and walk and ended his season on a high note from a performance perspective. After a 5 for 35 stretch that raised questions about his standing in the playoff roster for some fans, Alvarez went 6 for 8 to end the season. It was a small consolation prize for his second full MLB season that was two wins from a World Series appearance.
Despite a season in which he posted a 101 OPS+ with 11 home runs and a .237 average, Alvarez grew up in other areas that will make him a long-time big leaguer. He commanded the respect of a veteran pitching staff and played well defensively. All while providing energy through his defensive plays, big hits and infectious smile.
But he hadn‘t faced disappointment to this level yet. And now he’ll be stronger because of it.
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