The New York Mets have emerged as one of baseball’s top teams this season, boasting a 34-22 record. While first baseman Pete Alonso has drawn attention with a .290 batting average and 11 home runs, he recently recognized shortstop Francisco Lindor as the true driving force behind the Mets’ success. Alonso praised Lindor’s relentless work ethic, emphasizing how much the star shortstop contributes to the team’s pursuit of a World Series title.
During an appearance on the baseball show Foul Territory, Alonso shared his admiration for Lindor’s commitment, pointing out that he brings maximum effort to the field every single day. Alonso noted Lindor’s determination to play through any adversity, revealing the type of leadership that energizes the entire Mets clubhouse.
Echoing this sentiment, Alonso said,
“I love how he posts up, straps up every day, and just sends it.”
—Pete Alonso, Mets First Baseman
Alonso expanded further, calling Lindor
“the type of guy that’s willing to strap it on, no matter what. It doesn’t matter how he’s feeling — he wants to play 162 games.”
This resilient approach is reflected in Lindor’s past seasons, as he has played over 150 games in three of his four years with the team, showcasing remarkable durability and consistency.
With Lindor having appeared in all 55 games so far this year, his steady presence creates stability for the Mets and strengthens their team culture as they aim for the postseason.
Francisco Lindor’s Performance and Season Outlook
Lindor is delivering solid contributions across the board this season, maintaining a .269 batting average while recording 10 home runs and 10 stolen bases through 55 games. His current value of 2.0 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) sets a pace for another strong campaign above 5.0 WAR, a benchmark he has surpassed in each of the past three seasons.
A key element driving Lindor’s success is his ability to limit strikeouts; his 17.6% strikeout rate represents a 0.8% improvement from last year, allowing him to consistently put the ball in play. This skill is particularly important for a player of his caliber, combining power with rare contact ability to great effect.
Lindor has also maintained his speed on the base paths, projecting to reach 30-plus stolen bases again this year. His all-around talents firmly classify him as a five-tool player, contributing in hitting, power, speed, defense, and instinct.
Looking ahead, the Mets will be counting on their recent acquisition Juan Soto to elevate his performance, potentially boosting the team’s offensive firepower and increasing their chances for a deep run in the playoffs.