The Francisco Alvarez Effect has been real. The Mets are 29-13 in games in which their precocious young catcher plays and 17-32 without him. Sure, the upgrade with the bat his .852 OPS began play Wednesday as third-best among catchers with at least 100 plate appearances has been significant. Francisco Alvarez shakes hand with Luis Severino after the right-hander exits the game in the seventh inning of the Mets 6-2 win over the Nationals on Wednesday night. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post But Alvarezs influence on the pitching staff has been nearly as stark. Consider the fact that with Alvarez squatting behind home plate, Mets pitchers brought a 3.25 ERA into the at Citi Field. The Mets team ERA entered play an entire run higher 4.25 and only four primary catchers in all of MLB brought better marks than Alvarezs into play (Atlantas Sean Murphy at 2.55, Philadelphias J.T. Realmuto at 2.86, Bostons Reese McGuire at 3.01 and Seattles Cal Raleigh Andy Benes Jersey at 3.25). Explore More It is not just that the 22-year-old is growing into a star with his bat. A second-year ball of energy has emerged as a defensive difference-maker in the most demanding position in the game while working with a predominantly veteran staff. Alvy is amazing, Jose Quintana said after partnering with Alvarez during Tuesdays win. I love this kid. Quintanas ERA when throwing to Alvarez: 1.76. Jose Quintana has pitched much better since Francisco Alvarezs return to the Mets lineup. Getty Images Quintanas ERA throwing to anyone else: 5.86. Hes not alone. Sean Manaeas ERA when throwing to Alvarez: 1.33. Manaea throwing to anyone else: 5.17. Manaea pointed to Alvarezs boisterous personality as a trait that separates him. Hes very outgoing and outspoken and kind of has those leadership qualities, said Manaea, a nine-year veteran. I know hes very young, but you can sense that hes just very confident in his work, and you see that in his [preparation]. For me, from my perspective, theres no reason not to trust him. Francisco Alvarez and Edwin Diaz celebrate after closing out the Mets win over the Nationals on Tuesday night. Corey Sipkin for the New York Post Adrian Housers ERA with Alvarez: 2.50. Housers ERA with anyone else: 6.89. It only took a couple spring training outings for the first-year Met to realize he would enjoy working with Alvarez who helped shepherd Luis Severino to a two-run outing in 6 / innings in Wednesdays win. After getting to talk to him for a little bit, it was: Hey, this is how I like to pitch, this is how I like to attack, Houser said of his early talks with Alvarez. And after a couple outings, it was already pretty easy. Hey, I liked how you threw that. We got on the same page pretty quick. There have been no complaints about Alvarezs prep work, knowledge of the pitchers he is catching and the opposing hitters. But the most obvious quality in his defensive game is a demonstrative element to how he catches. Especially in a big spot or when a pitcher is beginning to tire, it is as if Alvarez attempts to will his partner acro s the finish line. He will dramatically wave his glove upward when he wants to encourage his pitcher to throw a pitch at the top of the zone. He will tap the dirt in demanding typically a breaking ball gets bounced. A staff with tiring arms and occasionally tiring energy has appreciated the boost from a catcher who doesnt seem to run out of energy. Delivering insights on all things Amazins Sign up for Inside the Mets by Mike Puma, exclusively on Sports+ Thank you By clicking above you agree to the and . Enjoy this Post Sports+ exclusive newsletter! He really wants you to execute this pitch, Houser said. I think that helps a lot. Hes really trying to work hard for that pitch. When you see him, like, get it up, Manaea said, It kind of reiterates that fact, that were going fastball up. Having that visual feedback can be helpful. And then when you throw a good pitch, and he gives you one of those [fist pumps]. There are more tangible ways Alvarez helps his pitcher, including with a strong arm that sometimes can compensate for a staff that has had trouble holding runners on, and with a constant eye at the pitch clock. Repeatedly over the past two seasons, Alvarez has traded a mound visit for a pitch-clock violation, bursting out of his squat and sprinting to the mound when he sees that his pitcher will not deliver the ball on time. Hes out there working the clock, for sure, Manaea said. Since Alvarez returned from his thumb injury on June 11, the Mets staff has returned to form, too. Hes always learning, Houser said, and hes always wanting to learn more. Ozzie Smith Jersey