The first half of the 2026 MLB season didn't go as planned for New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor.
Lindor had a stress reaction in his left hamate bone that required surgery back in February, but after missing almost all of spring training he was able to get healthy enough to be ready for Opening Day. However, a left calf strain suffered in late April caused Lindor to miss two months of action and has limited him to just 40 games this season.
And when he has played, Lindor hasn't been the typical superstar that Mets fans have grown accustomed to watching across the past five seasons. The 32-year-old is slashing .216/.298/.373 with a .671 OPS, five home runs and 12 RBI this year. He has also made a number of mental errors and mistakes in the field and on the basepaths, which is unorthodox for the 12-year veteran.
Despite having the second highest payroll in all of baseball at $380 million, the Mets are having an abysmal season, posting a 40-57 record. For that, they're likely to be sellers at the August 3 MLB trade deadline.
Lately, Lindor's name has been involved in trade speculation/rumors by several media members. As a result, Lindor was asked multiple times on Sunday if he would waive his no-trade clause to which he responded "no comment" twice, per Joel Sherman of The New York Post.
Lindor's contract would be tough to move in a deal given he still has five-years, $155 million remaining on his 10-year, $341 million contract signed back in 2021.
Mets owner Steve Cohen also told The New York Post's "The Show" podcast recently that he doesn't envision Lindor, or Juan Soto for that matter, going anywhere.
All signs point to the Mets keeping Lindor at the trade deadline. But Lindor's decision to provide no comment when asked if he would waive his no-trade clause certainly raises eyebrows a bit.
