Francisco Lindor has been a strong contributor for the New York Mets, but his transition to the leadoff position last season has significantly elevated his offensive output. Since the permanent shift last May, Lindor’s impact in the Mets leadoff spot has become a driving force behind their improved performance.
During Tuesday night’s game at Citi Field, where the Mets defeated the Chicago White Sox 6-4, Lindor went 2-for-5 and recorded an RBI double—exemplifying the consistent production fans have come to expect from him in the leadoff role.
Statistical Excellence in the Leadoff Role Over 162 Games
In the full 162 games Lindor has started as the Mets’ leadoff hitter, his offensive metrics rank among the best in the National League. Over this span, he has posted a .295 batting average with a .365 on-base percentage and a .523 slugging percentage. He has amassed 195 hits, including 41 doubles and 36 home runs, while driving in 101 runs and scoring 114 times. His speed has also been a factor, with 33 stolen bases adding to his all-around value.
Lindor’s overall 9.1 fWAR in this period ties him with Shohei Ohtani for the top spot among National League position players and places him third in MLB behind Aaron Judge and Bobby Witt Jr. He is one of only five players—including Corbin Carroll, José Ramírez, Witt, and Ohtani—to achieve at least 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases during these 162 games.
Manager Carlos Mendoza’s Strategic Decision and Lindor’s Past Experience
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza made the call to place Lindor in the leadoff spot as a response to the team’s struggles on offense early in 2024. After a difficult loss, Mendoza discussed the idea with Lindor, seeking his thoughts on the change.
Lindor welcomed the opportunity, drawing on his extensive experience leading off during his time with the Cleveland Guardians. In his first six seasons, Lindor started 380 games in that role, with a large portion of his leadoff starts (294) coming in the 2018 and 2019 campaigns.
Team Success Coinciding with Lindor’s Leadoff Role
The Mets’ improvement correlates strongly with Lindor’s presence at the top of the lineup. When he began hitting leadoff on May 18, 2024, the team’s record stood at 20-24. Since then, the Mets have posted a 79-59 record through the end of the 2024 season and started the next campaign with a 34-21 record, highlighting the positive momentum.
Hitting is contagious, so by me setting the tone, hopefully everybody else can pass it along and end up on top,
Lindor said.
Looking Ahead: Lindor’s Role as a Catalyst for Mets’ Offense
Francisco Lindor’s move to the leadoff spot has proven transformative both for his individual performance and the Mets’ overall offensive output. His blend of power, speed, and consistency has made him a key player in the lineup, inspiring teammates and helping improve the team’s record substantially. As the Mets build on this foundation, Lindor’s impact will likely remain central to their pursuit of success in upcoming seasons.