Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Entering the final game of their three-game series against the Atlanta Braves, the Mets needed an offensive jolt to avoid being swept by their division rival. Despite losing in a thriller, the Mets’ offense did their job by producing 10 runs in the absence of slugger Pete Alonso. Without Alonso’s potent bat, the Mets decided to use catcher Francisco Álvarez as their designated hitter, and he stepped up to the plate in an important game.

Heading into the top of the fourth inning, Álvarez had struck out in his first two at-bats. However, he would not be fooled this time around as he blasted an opposite-field home run against Braves’ starting pitcher Spencer Strider that traveled 392 ft with an exit velocity of 102.4 mph. This two-run shot that extended the Mets’ lead to three runs marked his second consecutive game with a home run.

In his next at-bat against relief pitcher Michael Tonkin, Álvarez scorched another home run to left-center that traveled 416 ft with an exit velocity of 106.1 mph. This was his third home run in a two-game span, and his 12th of his short career. To put this number into perspective, Álvarez has homered in 8.6% of his at-bats, which is a highly impressive display of power at the young age of 21. Álvarez is the 12th player in MLB history with at least 12 home runs in the first 46 career games under the age of 22.

Last week, Max Scherzer shared high praise for Álvarez that gives credence to his recent performance. “He’s got that ‘it’ factor to him. He’s going to be a great player.” Despite being overlooked by the Mets to begin the season, Álvarez has forced their hand in providing him more consistent playing time, as he has burst onto the scene as a budding star. His intense work ethic, combined with his raw power, has translated into a very successful campaign for the rookie catcher.

The 21-year-old is now hitting .244/.299/.551 with 11 home runs and is second on the Mets with his 132 wRC+. His .307 isolated power is first among all catchers and is tied for seventh in MLB with Yordan Alvarez.

That being said, Álvarez should see more opportunities as the team’s designated hitter going forward with the return of catcher Omar Narváez. This especially makes sense given the fact that designated hitter Daniel Vogelbach has struggled mightily in recent play. Álvarez’s recent success should also grant him the opportunity to consistently bat higher in the order, as he is missing out on key opportunities when he hits ninth. Since the Mets are currently on an uninspiring losing streak, they need every advantage they can get to snap out of it.