The New York Mets suffered a crushing 8-0 defeat to the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series.
It was the team’s first NLCS game at Citi Field since 2015. Most expected the Mets to come out on fire, just like their fans did, but what ended up unfolding was a good old-fashioned butt whooping.
One pivotal moment came in the second inning when young catcher Francisco Alvarez struck out with the bases loaded. This at-bat highlighted Alvarez’s continued struggles at the plate, sparking frustration among fans who have begun calling for a lineup change.
However, manager Carlos Mendoza quickly dismissed that notion. “Alvy is playing tomorrow,” the skipper confidently stated following the loss.
On the whole, Mendoza has done an excellent job this season. However, he’s been accused of being too loyal to his players, especially when they are clearly hurting the team.
This type of approach has made Mendoza extremely popular among the players – and loyalty and confidence is clearly a great thing. However, you have to always do what’s best for the team.
The major question in Queens right now is would it be best for the team to bench the struggling 22-year-old?
The decision to stick with Alvarez isn’t entirely unexpected, given how integral he’s been to the team throughout the season.
Starting pitcher Jose Quintana, who will take the mound tonight in Game 4, has built a solid rapport with Alvarez, catching 16 of Quintana’s 31 starts this season.
Preserving that familiarity on the field seems to outweigh concerns over Alvarez’s slumping bat. He has struggled mightily this postseason, managing just five hits in 35 at-bats, translating to a .143 batting average and a mere .310 OPS over 10 games.
In Game 3, his second-inning strikeout proved costly. The Mets had just seen Dodgers pitcher Luis Severino surrender two runs, and Alvarez’s inability to capitalize with the bases loaded, followed by Francisco Lindor’s strikeout, prevented New York from mounting a comeback.
Few predicted the Mets would reach the NLCS this year. Despite boasting the league’s highest payroll, New York entered the season with modest expectations, largely due to the bloated contracts of Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander, neither of whom are with the team anymore.
Additionally, the Mets didn’t make any splashy offseason signings. Many thought that owner Steve Cohen was quietly punting on the season.
The team’s early-season performance only reinforced those low expectations, starting 0-5 and sinking to 11 games below .500 by June.
Then, in an unexpected twist, the tide turned after a ceremonial first pitch by Grimace – the purple McDonald’s mascot – which became a quirky rallying point for the fanbase.
Since then, the Mets have clawed their way into the NLCS and now find themselves just three wins away from an improbable trip to the World Series.
One reason for the Mets’ reluctance to make changes is their long-term vision for Alvarez.
Even at the trade deadline, when a playoff berth seemed unlikely, the front office opted not to acquire a veteran catcher. Instead, they entrusted Alvarez with the role, envisioning him as the backstop of the future, even if it meant enduring some growing pains during these crucial playoff games.
Alvarez’s aggressive approach at the plate has drawn criticism, with many pointing out that he swings for a home run on nearly every pitch. But should he connect in Game 4, it could quickly turn the narrative around (just ask Pete Alonso).
First pitch for Game 4 at Citi Field is set for 8:08pm EST. Veteran Jose Quintana will take the mound for the Mets against Japanese star Yoshinobu Yamamoto who Cohen wanted bad last offseason.
What are your thoughts on Alvarez? … Should Mendoza bench him for the better of the team?
More importantly, who do you think will win tonight’s vital Game 4???