The New York Mets just can’t escape the one thing that haunts them every year—injuries. The 2025 season is yet to kick off in full gear, and the Mets have already dealt with quite a few crushing setbacks. Whether it’s a potential-filled season going off the rails or key players getting sidelined when they are needed the most, the Mets are no strangers to adversity.

Francisco Alvarez, their 23-year-old catcher, is about to miss six to eight weeks as he is undergoing surgery for a fractured left hamate bone. The injury is reported to have happened over the weekend when the 23-year-old was taking live at-bats. The news was confirmed by manager Carlos Mendoza, and it has left fans agitated, fearing this could derail the momentum of the team even before the season begins. For a team that desperately requires a strong start, it’s fair to label it as a nightmare scenario.

Alvarez’s departure is a substantial blow, especially keeping in mind his previous injury, a torn ligament in his left thumb, which was a setback for him for the 2024 season. Missing close to 8 weeks of action, he played around 100 games last year and managed a .237 batting average along with 11 home runs and 47 RBIs. This is a clear example of his potential as a key contributor.

Alvarez was supposed to be a key piece in the Mets’ lineup. Post his exit, the team is now trying to fill the void behind the plate, both offensively and defensively. For fans, it is a fatal hit that has sparked frustration, panic, and déjà vu from previous seasons that were derailed by injuries.

Mets fans are losing it over the news

It’s not even surprising that Mets fans are not taking this news very well. Fans took it to X, venting out their emotions that sum up the widespread panic. They did not see another injury-ridden season coming. The repeated injuries have given fans a feeling of déjà vu. “AND THE METS ARE FALLING APART.” This comment from the fan echoes the collective anxiety of a fanbase that is no stranger to untimely injuries disrupting a potentially-filled season.

After all the Opening Day is just days away and the injury list is continuing to expand. Pitchers Frankie Montas and Sean Manaea also find themselves there along with second baseman Nick Madrigal. Frankie Montas is suffering from a high-grade right lat strain and is expected to be out for 6-8 weeks. At the moment, it is crucial for him to build his strength before the takes to the diamond.

Further, the Mets had announced Sean Manaea’s right oblique injury on February 24. And as a per a recent update on it by David Stearns, his right oblique will be retested and reimaged on the coming Monday or Tuesday, according to which the future course of action will be determined. If the progress happens to be up to the mark then he will move to the throwing program.

On the other hand, some fans are trying to stay optimistic despite the obstacles. “Oh man, that’s a rough one. Mets should still be okay.” This kind of perspective reflects a hope that the team’s depth can handle these preseason hurdles. I mean, they still have Pete Alonso and if there is one thing we can be sure of then it is the Polar Bear delivering when it’s the most needed. Just look at his last regular season stats: batting average of .240, with 146 hits in 608 at-bats along with 34 home runs, 88 RBIs, and 91 runs. Safe to say that there is some hope.

Meanwhile, some fans even pointed out that both NY teams are suffering. “Both New York teams are dropping like flies.” This points to a wider issue within the city’s baseball scene, with injuries affecting star players across both teams. While we have looked at the Mets injury list, let’s have a quick glance at how the Yankees are suffering before the Opening Day.

So far, for the Yankees, we have Gerrit Cole, Luis Gil and Giancarlo Stanton on the injury front. Gerrit Cole is suffering from elbow issues and though he has undergone some inital tests, the team is currently waiting on the MRI scans to provide for a solid analysis. Meanwhile, Luis Gil is suffering from a high grade lat strain and is expected to be out for at least three months. Similar injury was suffered by Clarke Schmidt last season and he was away from action between May to fthe irst week of September.

At last, we have Giancarlo Stanton, who is dealing with tendon issues in both his elbows. The return timeline for the outfielder is a matter of speculation at present but given that he has labeled it to be “severe,” one can expect his return is not close.

The offseason, once filled with high anticipations, now appears tumultuous. “This is a wicked offseason for the Mets,” wrote another fan, as they are trying hard to cope with the contrast between offseason optimism and the present injury-laden reality. Though bagging Juan Soto in the offseason felt like a win for the Mets, their other decisions appeared rather questionable. Let’s take the example of Frankie Montas and Griffin Canning.

It can be said that the Mets rushed when they picked the 31-year-old for 2 years, $34 million. For the price they paid for the pitcher, they could’ve gotten someone better as Montas is coming off one of the worst seasons of his career with a 7-11 record and a 4.84 ERA over 30 starts, pitching a total of 150 2/3 innings. And now that he is on the injury list, it raises further questions about the investment.

Moving on to Griffin Canning, the Mets picked him for 1 year, $4.25 million. Like Montas, he too had a rough last season, where he gave up 31 home runs. Can he really switch up this year? Only time will tell.

To some fans, this situation echoes past letdowns. One fan wrote, “We’re done.” This reaction screams the fears of fans who have seen seasons unravel due to similar circumstances.

As the Mets buckle up for the season ahead, the resilience of both players and their fans is up for a test. For now, the Mets must figure out how to stay afloat in the absence of their rising ace.