A Star in the Making: Francisco Lindor’s 2024 Season
The story of the 2024 New York Mets is incomplete without highlighting the pivotal role shortstop Francisco Lindor played in their success. Lindor had his best offensive season with the Mets, finishing a close second in the National League Most Valuable Player (NL MVP) voting. His contributions, however, went far beyond his on-field statistics. Lindor’s leadership and commitment to the team were instrumental in turning around their season and propelling them to the National League Championship Series (NLCS).
Behind the Scenes: Mentorship and Leadership
Lindor’s off-field efforts are as commendable as his on-field performance. During the offseason before the 2024 season, he worked closely with young infielders Brett Baty and Mark Vientos, helping them refine their fielding skills in Puerto Rico. This mentorship was crucial in the development of these young players, who went on to have significant roles in the team’s success. Moreover, Lindor’s leadership was evident in his actions during the season. In late May, after a disheartening sweep by the Dodgers at Citi Field, Lindor called a players-only meeting. He, along with a few other key players, addressed the team, emphasizing the need to come together and turn their season around. The meeting proved to be a turning point, as the Mets went on a remarkable run to the NLCS.
Lindor’s Perspective on Leadership
As the Mets prepare for the 2025 season, the topic of captaincy has come up, and Lindor has been identified as a strong candidate. When asked about his role on the team, Lindor expressed his feelings about being a leader. "I do feel like I’m one of the leaders of the team, but there are a lot of leaders in [the locker room]," he said during a press conference at Clover Park. "The captain thing is not up for me to decide. If it does happen, it would be fantastic, an honor, and a privilege. Something I would never take for granted. Something that would put me next to the greats of this organization forever, and it would be very humbling."
Legacy of Mets Captains
The Mets have had only four official captains in their history: Keith Hernandez, Gary Carter, John Franco, and David Wright. Wright, the most recent captain, held the title from 2013 to 2018. Seven years later, another Mets infielder, Francisco Lindor, is seen as a strong candidate to join this prestigious list. However, Lindor emphasized that his role and approach to the game would remain the same, regardless of the captaincy. "My job is not going to change. Just because I’m the captain doesn’t mean I’m going to do more. I’m still going to go out there and hold guys accountable. I’m going to expect a lot out of myself too. I expect guys, if they see me doing something that’s not right, to come up to me and tell me. To continue to lead, play the game the right way, show up, post up, and do whatever we got to do to win."
The Vision for the Organization
Lindor’s acquisition by the Mets during the 2021 offseason was a significant move, signaling the team’s commitment to turning things around under new majority owner Steve Cohen. Cohen and the front office saw Lindor as a cornerstone for the organization’s future. "When I first came to this organization and Steve and Alex brought me out here, part of my job description was to help this organization become one of the best ones out there," Lindor explained. "And I have that in the very front of my mind. To make this organization one of the best out there, you have to win and also do things the right way. Be accountable, respect your peers, respect the game, and you have to go out there every day and post up. Even if I’m hurt, you still have to show up and do things the right way and support your teammates. To win is not a one-man job."
Looking Forward to 2025
The 2024 season was a high point for the Mets, and expectations for the 2025 season are sky-high. Lindor is determined to build on the team’s success and deliver on the field. His focus remains on leading by example and getting the best out of his teammates. "If the captain thing is presented to me, it would be a humbling experience, but that’s not up to me. That’s something the front office gets to decide, and I don’t know who else gets to decide on that. If you guys make the decision, just let me know." One of the former captains, David Wright, has already given Lindor his seal of approval, further solidifying his status as a potential future captain of the Mets. As the team prepares for another season, Lindor will continue to wear his signature smile and lead with the same passion and dedication that have made him a fan favorite and a vital part of the Mets’ success.
