Mets Star Francisco Lindor Makes Baseball History Amid Impressive Campaign

Francisco Lindor is not only the first player in Mets history to accomplish this feat, but he is the second shortstop in baseball history to be in this category as well.
Jul 3, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) celebrates with left fielder Ben Gamel (21) after hitting a two run home run against the Washington Nationals during the fifth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 3, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) celebrates with left fielder Ben Gamel (21) after hitting a two run home run against the Washington Nationals during the fifth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-USA TODAY Sports / Rafael Suanes-USA TODAY Sports

Although he isn't an NL All-Star, for now, New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor is having an impressive season.

According to SNY, Lindor is the first player in Mets history to record 25 doubles, 15 home runs and 15 stolen bases prior to the All-Star break.

What's even more astounding is that Lindor and fellow star Bobby Witt Jr. of the Kansas City Royals, who has also reached these numbers this season, are the only two shortstops in baseball history to put up these numbers before the break.

Lindor and Witt Jr. are two of the best shortstops in the game. They can certainly be included in the same category as AL MVP candidate Gunnar Henderson, Trea Turner, Corey Seager and Carlos Correa. That is very good company.

Lindor has a .248 average with a .759 OPS, 15 homers and 45 RBIs through 89 games this season with the Mets. He has hit .288 with a .893 OPS and six homers in his last 30 games as well.

As previously mentioned, Lindor was snubbed from the NL All-Star team, but he can still be selected to go as a replacement if another player gets injured or bows out.

Since being traded to the Mets ahead of the 2021 season, Lindor has made second team All-MLB twice and won a Silver Slugger Award as a result of his 30-30 season in 2023. He has not, however, made an All-Star appearance nor won a Gold Glove Award as a Met. This is a bit surprising given he was a four-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glover in Cleveland prior to getting dealt to New York.

Regardless, Lindor, who typically gets off to slow starts in each season, has turned things up at the plate since late-May when Mets manager Carlos Mendoza moved him to the leadoff spot in the lineup. He also plays elite level defense at shortstop, so his value is significant to the team.

Lindor, and fellow All-Star snub teammate Brandon Nimmo, are viewed as the two leaders in the Mets' clubhouse. Both are locked up on long-term deals for many years to come and it's possible that one if not both of them could earn the captain title at some point in the future.


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Pat Ragazzo
PAT RAGAZZO

Pat Ragazzo is the reporter, publisher, site manager and executive editor for Sports Illustrated's Mets and Yankees On SI websites. Pat was selected as The Top Reporter & Publisher of the Year 2024 by the International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP) for outstanding leadership, dedication, and commitment to the industry. He has been seen on several major TV Network stations including: NBC4, CBS2, FOX5, PIX11 and NY1; and is frequently heard on ESPN New York FM 880 AM and WFAN Sports Radio 101.9 FM as a guest. Pat also serves as the Mets insider for the "Allow Me 2 Be Frank" podcast hosted by Frank "The Tank" Fleming of Barstool Sports. You can follow him on Twitter/X: @ragazzoreport.