Despite a refined control of curbing opponents' run games, throwing out nine out of 27 base-stealers, Alvarez has made three errors and allowed two passed balls. His framing, once viewed as a strength, has not been as strong.

The Mets feel like their 23-year-old catcher, who hit 25 home runs in 2023, can be better as a defender and as a hitter.

Scuffling catcher Francisco Alvarez was demoted to the minors by the New York Mets on Sunday. The team optioned Alvarez to Triple-A Syracuse and recalled Hayden Senger from its top farm club before Sunday night's series finale against the Philadelphia Phillies.