Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Francisco Álvarez got his first taste of the big leagues last season, and now he’s ready for more. MLB’s top prospect told journalist César Sequera Ramos that he was “100% sure” he would be on the Mets Opening Day roster in 2023.

Álvarez went 2-12 in five games for the Mets at the end of the season, with one of those two hits being his first-career major-league home run. If Álvarez is to make the Opening Day roster, he could see time a right-handed DH option opposite Daniel Vogelbach, but he believes he’s prepared to be a big-league catcher.

Álvarez told Ramos that he feels his defense is ready for the big leagues, but that the team asked him to improve his English to be could better communicate with pitchers.

While Álvarez’s biggest asset will be his offensive prowess, he knows he will need to improve defensively to reach his full potential. To do so, Álvarez revealed he’s been getting advice from long-time catchers Robinson Chirinos and Yadier Molina, and also soon plans on speaking with José Molina.

If the Mets do decide to carry Álvarez on their Opening Day roster, they will have an interesting decision to make. While it may make some sense to use him as a right-handed DH and pinch-hitting option with the occasional catching start mixed in, that would limit his ability to get important reps behind the plate. Meanwhile, if he becomes the team’s primary catcher, that could mean the Mets having to depart with Tomás Nido since they just signed Omar Narváez to a two-year $15 million deal this offseason.

Regardless, Álvarez’s development on both sides will be one of the most fascinating things to watch for the Mets this season. His presence in the lineup undoubtedly gives the offense a power bat outside of Pete Alonso, which the team desperately needs.

If his defense is where he claims it to be, Álvarez’s run as the team’s everyday catcher could be starting sooner rather than later.