The New York Mets entered Friday in the midst of an eight-game losing streak, sitting in last place in the National League East. The season has unraveled quickly, with Juan Soto sidelined by a right calf injury, Francisco Lindor struggling at the plate and several offseason additions failing to make an impact.
For a team that entered 2026 with postseason expectations, the opening three weeks have been nothing short of a nightmare.
Lindor’s start has been one of the most concerning developments. The 32-year-old shortstop is hitting .184 with a .287 on-base percentage, .577 OPS, one home run and one RBI across 19 games.
For a player with four Silver Slugger Awards and a long track record of offensive production, this slump is far below his standard.
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The Mets arrived at Wrigley Field on Friday for a three-game series against the Chicago Cubs. When New York announced its lineup for the series opener, Lindor was no longer in the leadoff spot.
Instead, rookie outfielder Carson Benge was elevated to the top of the order, with Bo Bichette hitting second. Lindor moved down to third, marking the lowest he has hit all season after leading off in each of the previous 19 games.
It is unclear whether Mets manager Carlos Mendoza made the change strictly because of Lindor’s slump, but the message is clear, the Mets need a spark and they are searching for any combination that might help break the skid. For Lindor, the move represents a chance to reset without the added pressure of setting the tone every night.
Lindor has been one of the league’s best shortstops since debuting in 2015. Across 12 seasons, he has earned five All-Star selections, two Gold Gloves and one Platinum Glove while helping lead teams deep into October.
He remains under contract through the 2031 season on his 10-year, $341 million deal and the Mets still view him as a major piece of their long-term vision.
New York’s expectations entering 2026 were high, but those hopes are fading quickly. If the Mets are going to climb out of this early hole, the player with the best chance of reigniting the lineup is Lindor.
