The New York Mets have one of the strongest infields in MLB, headlined by shortstop Francisco Lindor. Since arriving in Queens prior to the 2021 season via trade from the Cleveland Guardians, Lindor has been exactly as anticipated for the Mets.
He signed a 10-year, $341 million contract extension after being traded to New York and has rewarded the organization by earning four top 10 National League MVP finishes, an All-Star selection and two Silver Slugger awards over the last five years, cementing himself as one of the league’s best players.
He remains one of the best defensive shortstops as well as a threat on the basepaths, one of the most impactful all-around talents.
The Mets entered this offseason retooling the roster around Lindor while Lindor himself has spent the winter recovering. The 32-year-old shortstop underwent surgery in October on his right elbow to address lingering soreness.
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Unfortunately for Lindor, the routine cleanup played a major role in interrupting his offseason plans. Lindor has regularly participated in the World Baseball Classic throughout his professional career for his home country, Team Puerto Rico, and has taken great pride in it.
With the international tournament coming up again in March, Lindor was attempting to play for the third time.
However, WBC insurance regulations denied Lindor the ability to participate last week, a disappointing outcome for the veteran shortstop. He was not the only player from Team Puerto Rico ruled out due to insurance issues, as Carlos Correa and Javier Baez were also denied.
That led to reports of Team Puerto Rico questioning whether they even wanted to participate in the WBC without their best players. Despite the uncertainty, the team kept roster spots open for Lindor, Correa and Baez in hopes that insurance approval would come through.
As rosters were finalized on Thursday, Lindor did not receive clearance, according to Carlos Rosa of El Nuevo Dia, confirming he will not be available for this year’s WBC.
Instead, Lindor will likely report to spring training for the Mets fully healthy and looking to sustain his status as one of MLB’s best shortstops.
Last year, he posted a .267 batting average, .346 on base percentage, .811 OPS, 31 home runs, 86 RBIs and 31 stolen bases across 160 games. The Mets will need that level of production again if they hope to return to the playoffs in 2026 after missing out last season.