New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor has established himself as one of the best middle infielders in all of Major League Baseball throughout his career. In 11 years in the majors, Lindor has slashed .273/.342/.475 with an OPS of .817, in addition to 279 home runs, 856 RBIs and 216 stolen bases.
He has been selected to five All-Star Games, won four Silver Slugger Awards, two Gold Glove Awards and was the American League Platinum Glove Award winner in 2016.
Lindor began his career with the Cleveland Guardians' organization when the team selected him eighth overall in the 2011 MLB Draft. He spent the first six years of his major-league career with Cleveland before playing the past five years with the Mets.
© Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
In 2025, Lindor put up fantastic numbers while the Mets struggled to get things going. While New York missed the playoffs, the star shortstop played 160 games, batting .267 with an OPS of .811, mashing 31 home runs, 86 RBIs and stealing 31 bases. This was his second 30-30 season in the past three years.
In the 2026 season, the 32-year-old will be entering the fifth year of his monster 10-year, $341 million contract that will keep him with New York through the 2031 season. This spring, he has been battling a hand injury, requiring hamate bone surgery. However, he is expected to be ready for opening day.
Before he and the Mets begin their season, though, Lindor will be making an appearance on SportsCenter to discuss ESPN's youth sports initiative, "Take Back Sports."
"Wed, Francisco Lindor joins @HannahStormESPN & @CourtneyRCronin on @SportsCenter.
Lindor will discuss 'Take Back Sports,' ESPN’s youth sports initiative focused on increasing access to play, improving coaching, putting fun back at the center of athletics & more," ESPN's public relations account wrote.
Throughout his career in the majors, Lindor has been a pillar in his community, doing charitable work, especially for young athletes. In 2025, he was the Met's nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award, marking the third straight year he was nominated.
This SportsCenter segment will air at 2 p.m. ET on ESPN on Wednesday.
Lindor and the Mets will begin their 2026 season against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday at Citi Field. First pitch is scheduled for 1:15 p.m. ET.
