2026 has been a frustrating year for New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor.
While a calf strain cost him two months of this season, Lindor has just not looked like the same player both offensively and defensively. Saturday in Philadelphia was nothing different.
During New York's 6-1 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday, Lindor not only went 0-for-4 at the plate, but also committed an error for a third straight game. In the sixth inning, he attempted a relay throw to third base, which went past Bo Bichette and allowed Bryce Harper to advance to second base.
Lindor's error was one of three the Mets committed on the afternoon, although this one would not result in a run scoring.
In 17 games since coming off the injured list, Lindor has committed five errors and now has six on the year after committing just 13 all of last season.
It has just been a lost season for the 32-year-old, who is also only slashing .205/.285/.354 with five home runs, 12 RBI and an OPS of .639 in 42 games. Lindor was blunt when he was asked about what's gone wrong for him this season, especially with the glove.
"It's not to the level that I expect myself and it's not the level that people expect us to play here. For me, defense, it's the most important thing and it's been not good," Lindor said. "Not good at all. I'm letting down the pitchers that are working extremely hard."
Lindor's struggles also come when his name has been floating in trade talks with the trade deadline nearly two weeks away. The expectation, though, is that New York will not move their All-Star shortstop midseason.
"He's a guy that we believe in, we'll continue to believe in," interim manager Andy Green said on Lindor. "He's got a long track record of being one of the absolute best shortstops in baseball. Have confidence that he will be that before this season is out."
The Mets can only hope that Lindor will go back to being the player they know he's capable of being between now and the rest of the season. The Amazins' wrap up their series with the Phillies on Sunday before they continue their road trip this upcoming week against the Milwaukee Brewers.
