Despite strong fan interest and speculation, the New York Mets currently have no plans to designate Francisco Lindor as their team captain. This news emerged during the 2024 All-Star Week, following the brief appearance of a deleted <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/baseball/mlb/”>MLB.com video suggesting that Lindor might become the first captain since David Wright retired in 2018. However, sources close to the team indicate the Mets are not moving forward with naming any captain at this time.
Other Contenders for the Mets Leadership Role
While Lindor has often been considered the leading candidate to assume the captaincy since early 2023, he is not the only player viewed as a strong leader on the roster. Outfielder Brandon Nimmo, who has been with the team since his MLB debut in 2016, recently secured an eight-year contract reportedly valued at $162 million, signaling a long-term commitment to the franchise. Another potential figure is Pete Alonso, who could become a lifelong Met if he opts out of his current deal and signs a new multi-year contract after the season. These players, along with Lindor, form a core group of leaders valued by the organization and fans alike.
Francisco Lindor’s Impact and Leadership
Lindor has earned considerable respect among the Mets’ fan base, especially after leading a crucial players-only meeting in May 2024 that has been credited with turning around the Mets’ season. His performance on the field has also been exceptional, finishing as the runner-up for the 2024 National League MVP award and providing pivotal home runs that contributed to the Mets’ run to the previous year’s National League Championship Series. His efforts underscore why many fans view him as a natural choice for captain.
“I think it would be something that I would take and it would be a privilege and honor and I wouldn’t take it lightly,”
Lindor shared regarding the possibility of becoming captain.
“I would’n’t do nothing different. I would continue to be me. At the end of the day, that’s something for the front office to decide, whether they want to or not.”
—Francisco Lindor, Mets shortstop
Future Prospects for Naming a Team Captain
The Mets organization, led by team owners Steve and Alex Cohen, appears open to naming a captain eventually, though no immediate plans exist. Lindor’s long-term presence with the team is secured through a 10-year contract extension signed in 2021 that could be worth up to $341 million, ensuring his role with the Mets through the prime years of his career. This stability positions him as a strong candidate for captaincy when the team decides to move forward. For now, the leadership mantle remains unofficial, with the Mets continuing to evaluate the best approach.
The Role of Leadership in the Mets’ Journey
The absence of a formally named captain does not diminish the leadership within the Mets clubhouse. Players like Lindor, Nimmo, and Alonso influence the team‘s dynamics both on and off the field. With the franchise continuing to build a competitive roster, the timing for naming a captain remains a strategic decision that reflects both respect for tradition and the evolving identity of the team. Fans remain hopeful that a formal announcement may come in the future, recognizing the efforts of key players who have helped shape the Mets’ recent successes.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why is Francisco Lindor called Mr. Smile?
A. In an April 2022 interview with The New York Post, Lindor shared that he reached out to Reguero before she did. He recalled sending her a message on Instagram, chatting for three months, and then meeting her in Arizona. After spending time together, Lindor felt sure she was the right person for him.