New York Mets fans want rookie Francisco Alvarez to stick around on major league roster: "That fact that they’re even considering it is unbelievable"

When Venezuelan catcher Francisco Alvarez signed a contract with the New York Mets as a 17-year-old, he could only have dreamt of one day starting behind the plate. More than five seasons later, the Mets seem keen to give the now 21-year-old a chance to live out his dream.

Despite having the highest payroll in the MLB, the catcher position has been a source of considerable uncertainty for the Mets. The team was planning on using Omar Narvaez as their catcher. However, an early-season calf strain sidelined Alvarez' fellow Venezuelan for six to eight weeks.

In light of Narvaez's absence, Francisco Alvarez was given the nod to make his MLB debut as a catcher against the Miami Marlins on April 9. Alvarez went 1-for-4 with an RBI, and ever since he has gradually become the preferred catcher for Mets fans and players alike.

Ahead of rumors of a possible roster shakeup, MLB insider Andy Martino wrote in SNY that Francisco Alvarez has become very popular amongst his teammates over the course of 28 games this season:

"Rookie catcher Francisco Álvarez has strong support in Mets clubhouse. If he is sent down in a roster crunch, it will not go over well."

Evidently, Alvarez has also become very popular among New York Mets fans. Many took to Twitter to share their opinions that the young Venezuelan is their top choice behind home plate.

So far this year, Alvarez is hitting .238/.304/.464 with 5 home runs and 11 RBIs. However, his defensive work behind the plate has caused several pitchers to take notice.

According to the Mets staff, Alvarez has come a long way in terms of his ability to call games since his MLB debut back in September last year.

Narvaez is expected to be back in the lineup in mere weeks, as is backup catcher Tomas Nido. Nido signed a 2-year deal in the offseason, and many equate his potential demotion to a situation akin to that of St. Louis Cardinals catcher and countryman Willson Contreras.

Francisco Alvarez has proved his mettle in MLB circle

Whether or not Francisco Alvarez gets optioned to the minor leagues in a potential roster shakeup remains to be seen. Even if the youngster needs to leave the parent organization for a period of time, he has shown that he can contend in the MLB, and succeed. This could bode well for him throughout the long and promising career he has ahead of him.