Francisco Lindor still key leader in lost Mets season
· Yahoo Sports
Francisco Lindor has described this season as an uphill battle, the same phrase he used in 2023 when he got off to a painfully slow start and the Mets fell out of playoff contention. It’s hard to remember that was only three years ago. It almost seems like a lifetime ago, given the sweeping changes the Mets have made on the field and in the front office since then.
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Lindor hasn’t been a focal point of the 2026 season, at least not on the field. Between the injuries and the narratives around Lindor this season, it’s easy to see why it’s felt that way for him. But something the shortstop said Monday night after the Mets’ 2-1 loss to the Orioles shows that he’s still a leader in the clubhouse.
“I think he got every ounce of love that he deserved. He got it tonight, and he’ll probably get it tomorrow too, and the next day too. I think it was cool. It was cool to see how they showed up for him, how they gave him love,” Lindor said of the reception from the Citi Field crowd for Pete Alonso’s return. “I think next time you’ve got to give the pitcher a little more love too. Because at the end of the day, we’re trying to win the game.”
Rookie right-hander Jonah Tong had the unfortunate task of pitching to Alonso and the Orioles. Mets fans voiced their disgust at the front office for letting a homegrown hero like Alonso go in free agency by giving him a standing ovation in every at-bat, and even booing Tong when he walked the former Flushing first baseman. It was a tough spot for a rookie, and Tong handled it admirably.
The nearly 33-year-old Lindor has long preached playing for each other and sticking together as a team. Giving Tong credit as he did publicly shows he means it.
Tong also excelled in the face of adversity, holding Baltimore to one unearned run over six innings. It was arguably his best major league appearance to date. While some fans were up in arms about a 23-year-old being booed in favor of a visiting player, if the Mets didn’t think Tong could handle the assignment, they would have shuffled the rotation to use someone like Robert Stock or Sean Manaea. The team had an off-day last week ahead of the Subway Series, so it was possible, but it was a learning experience for Tong, who will have to pitch in far more hostile environments in the future.
“It gets to a point where it’s like, show Jonah Tong a little love that he got him out, you know?” Lindor said. “But it’s a kid’s game, and we have fun. We enjoy it, and it’s good we see stuff like that happen. Shows that they care for [Alonso].”
Whatever you think about Lindor after the much-publicized rift between him and star outfielder Juan Soto, he is still crucial to the Mets’ success. The Mets have already said they have no plans to replace him at shortstop next season, and he still has five more years on his contract. And whatever you think of Lindor and his injuries this season and last, he’s a player you can count on to work through them and get back on the field as soon as possible.
He and Soto have that in common.
Plus, the way he works sets a strong example for everyone else in the clubhouse. The Mets could rely on several players under the age of 25 next season, and Lindor has always been generous with his time and tips when it comes to helping rising players. He had Mark Vientos and Brett Baty work out with him in Florida during the offseason one year; he once gave Tyrone Taylor hitting advice in a hotel room on the road. Few players understand the dynamics of the Mets and what it means to play in New York like Lindor does.
In Lindor’s view, everyone on a team can make each other better, and when that happens, it leads to success.
“He’s a pro. He does everything right,” interim manager Andy Green said. “Some of the things that don’t get seen as much are his desire to celebrate everyone else’s successes. Superstars that are wired that way are unbelievable to have in the clubhouse.”
Lindor and Alonso are both chasing home run No. 300. The way they’re both rooting for one another to reach the milestone shows true leadership.