Francisco Lindor Fights to Regain Form: 'I Gotta Get Back to Playing at a High Level'
Francisco Lindor on First-Half Flop: 'I Gotta Get Back to Playing at a High Level'
Francisco Lindor, the 32-year-old shortstop, is under pressure to improve his performance after a disappointing first half of the season. With a contract worth $160 million through 2031, Lindor must show he can still be a star player for the New York Mets.
Lindor's first half was marred by a .671 OPS and a .216 batting average, with five home runs in 40 games. He also made an error in the ninth inning of the Mets' 3-2 loss to the Boston Red Sox on Sunday. Lindor's defensive metrics, such as outs above average, have also taken a hit.
Lindor's performance is crucial for the Mets' future. With their postseason hopes down to 0.9 percent, the team needs veteran improvement in the second half. Lindor's contract presents significant challenges, and the Mets hold little knowledge on whether he can regain his form.
Lindor is determined to improve his performance and get back to playing at a high level. "I better get there: there's no other option," he said. "I gotta get back to playing at a high level." The stakes are high for Lindor, and he must show he can still be a star player for the Mets.
In his best offensive game since returning from the injured list on June 24, Lindor went 2-for-4 in the Mets' 3-2 loss to the Boston Red Sox on Sunday with a double and a home run. However, his defensive performance has been mediocre, and he owns a .671 OPS and a .216 batting average with five home runs in 40 games.
The Mets need Lindor to produce like a star player next season. It is unknown what the next CBA will look like, and Cohen's resources may go only so far. Lindor remains one of the Mets' most important players, and he must show he can still be a star player.
Lindor's contract presents significant challenges, and the Mets hold little knowledge on whether he can regain his form. The team needs veteran improvement in the second half, and Lindor's performance is crucial for their future.
The Mets hold little knowledge on whether Polanco can be counted on to play first base next season because of his Achilles issue. He struck out as a pinch hitter in the 10th inning, failing to move the runner from second base. He has not played first base or any other position in a major-league game since March 28.
Polanco, signed through next season, is hitting just .178 with one home run while limited to just 79 plate appearances. Semien is working his way back from an injury, and the Mets need to see veteran improvement in the second half.
The stakes are high for Lindor, and he must show he can still be a star player for the Mets. "I better get there: there's no other option," he said. "I gotta get back to playing at a high level.