© Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
(Queens, NY) – There are a number of things that make Francisco Lindor unique. He’s a tremendous power hitter at a position where that’s still a relative rarity. Yet he gives up very little defensively — having won a Gold Glove twice while in Cleveland. And, having been born in Puerto Rico, Lindor moved to Florida at age 12 — dominated in high school — and was drafted by the Cleveland (then Indians) Guardians.
The smiling shortstop who lit up fans in the Midwest was traded to the Mets ahead of the 2021 season, and has since become the king of Queens. All while his family continues to grow — his wife just gave birth to the couple’s first son.
So the happy-go-lucky loving husband and father plays an elite shortstop, hits for power, changes diapers, always has a smile — and lifts up his teammates. Now we know more detail behind exactly how he does that.
He serves as the Mets’ unofficial captain — and will be the team captain for Puerto Rico during the 2026 World Baseball Classic. His leadership style is apparently highly personal, and connected to each of his teammates on a unique level.
At the conclusion of each series — whether it was just a single game, or a full four game set — Lindor checks on each player. He goes to each teammates’ locker and has a conversation. Will Sammon, a reporter for The Athletic, notes that makes a big difference with the club.
Lindor downplays the move. “For me, it is more instinctual,” he told Sammon. “It’s like walking into my house and saying hello to my kids.” Pitcher Sean Manaea, who’s rehabbing an injury and joined the Mets following years spent as a member of the Athletics and Giants says, “It goes a long way in making people feel welcome. I’ve never seen it before. I can’t think of anyone I’ve played with that would do something like that. It’s very unique, special.”
Much has been made of Juan Soto’s arrival in Queens — and his as-of-yet underwhelming offensive production. Some have speculated Soto misses the Bronx, and Aaron Judge, all while adjusting to a new reality. Soto seems to appreciate Lindor’s approach. “I really respect that,” Soto said of the locker room visits. “He really cares about the guys. That’s huge for a team — to show a little love to every player and have them know that you always have their back, even if they have a bad day. It’s big time.”
Mr. Smile. The Captain. Teammate talker. Whatever term you prefer, count on Lindor strolling the lockers at Citi Field, talking the team’s temperature. That’s leadership.
