As the heart and soul of the Mets, Francisco Lindor's outstanding performance and unwavering leadership has been overlooked on the grand stage.
NEW YORK — The steady thump of Francisco Lindor's performance is the lifeblood of the New York Mets, guiding the team through the highs and lows of the season. Despite his exceptional contributions both on and off the field, Lindor's impact on the game has largely flown under the radar since his arrival in the Big Apple.
Four years into his Mets tenure, Lindor has accumulated a compelling case as the most underappreciated player in Major League Baseball. His impressive numbers, including the highest fWAR in the NL and only three players with 100 home runs and 75 stolen bases since 2021, showcase his multifaceted abilities. However, Lindor has been consistently overlooked for All-Star selections since joining the Mets.
According to Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns, "It's easy to quantify what he does on the field, but much harder to quantify the impact both by what he says and also how he acts." Lindor's leadership qualities are evident in the clubhouse, where his words carry weight and his positive attitude is infectious.
Teammates attest to Lindor's ability to empower those around him. He holds everyone accountable, while creating an atmosphere of open communication. Outfielder Tyrone Taylor appreciates Lindor's consistent treatment, regardless of status.
"He's always thinking about everybody else first," said outfielder Jesse Winker. "This is a guy that's having an MVP season, but he still puts everyone before himself because he wants to win." Lindor's MVP chants have become a common occurrence, but his journey to this point has been marked by adversity.
In the early weeks of 2024, Lindor endured a significant slump, sparking concerns about his decline. However, Mets fans rallied around him with a standing ovation, a stark contrast to the criticism he faced earlier in his tenure. Lindor turned his season around, compiling an impressive OPS and leading NL shortstops in home runs.
His first year with the Mets was tumultuous, marked by a record-breaking contract, a new city, and the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Lindor struggled to adjust, enduring on-field blunders and vocal criticism from the fan base. Yet, he persevered, embracing the challenges and focusing on his role as shortstop.
With guidance from former manager Buck Showalter and the support of his family and the Mets ownership, Lindor has found stability and confidence. His strong leadership and elite performance have become invaluable to the team. Skipper Carlos Mendoza praises Lindor's impact both on and off the field.
Several factors may contribute to Lindor's underappreciated status in MLB: his mega-contract, intense expectations, and New York's unforgiving sports culture. However, Lindor remains undeterred, his focus unwavering on bringing success to the Mets. "Playing in the postseason every year...winning a championship," said Lindor. "That's when I can say, 'I gave you everything that I had.'"
Francisco Lindor, the heartbeat of the New York Mets, continues to inspire and lead his team, his true impact hidden in plain sight. As the Mets strive for the ultimate goal, Lindor's presence will be felt in every step they take.
