Lindor’s Leap
date
Jul 10, 2024
Files & media
slug
Lindor-leap
status
Published
tags
Baseball
Mets
summary
type
Post
Francisco Lindor has consistently gotten off to slow starts during his tenure with the New York Mets, and this trend was particularly evident at the start of the 2024 season. Through March and April, Lindor struggled significantly, batting just .196 while accumulating a high number of strikeouts and overall looking non-competitive in the box. This recurring early-season slump has been a point of contention and has hindered his recognition as an elite player in the eyes of many analysts. While Lindor was an All-Star four times in Cleveland, he has yet to receive the honor in a Mets uniform.
While most believed that Lindor would eventually find his rhythm, the pronounced nature of this year's early struggles once again fueled criticism for Steve Cohen’s most expensive asset. Infamous Mets haters like Brandon Tierney and Keith McPherson continue to belittle Lindor and question his lack of production while arguing that his lucrative contract has brought more harm than good to the Mets organization.
Throughout the season, and moreover his entire career as a Met, Lindor primarily batted in the two-hole behind Brandon Nimmo. However, a pivotal decision by manager Carlos Mendoza in the middle of May to swap their spots in the lineup has seemingly unlocked the potential of both players. This change has led to a more complementary lineup that maximizes the strengths and approaches of each player.
Brandon Nimmo, renowned as a fantastic table-setter and leadoff hitter with a knack for working long, strenuous at-bats, has adapted impressively to his new role. The switch has enabled Nimmo to become a more dangerous hitter with runners in scoring position. In the last three games alone, he has launched two home runs along with six RBI’s, showcasing his newfound importance to this offense.
Conversely, the lineup switch has simplified Lindor's role, allowing him to focus on getting on base more than anything else. Since moving to the leadoff spot, Lindor has thrived, going 17-for-39 in 47 plate appearances when leading off the first inning. The bulk of Lindor's resurgence has been particularly notable in July posting a .305(BA) in the first nine games, hitting three home runs, drawing four walks, and driving in eight RBIs. This adjustment has not only improved his performance but also contributed to a more dynamic and effective Mets offense.
With the All-Star break just six days away and all roster spots named, the absence of Brandon Nimmo and Francisco Lindor from the list has been a notable disappointment for Mets fans. When Mookie Betts lost his roster spot due to injury, many expected Lindor to be a shoo-in for the replacement on the back of his recent hot streak. However, the nod went to the flashy phenom Elly De La Cruz, who, objectively, has not outperformed Lindor statistically in most every category.
Through ninety games, Lindor's body of work includes a .253 batting average, 93 hits, and 16 home runs over 367 at-bats. In comparison, De La Cruz has posted a .251 batting average, 86 hits, and 15 home runs over 343 at-bats. Despite these comparable statistics, De La Cruz was chosen to fill in for Betts, more than likely for his staggering stolen base total of 45 leaving Lindor on the outside looking in once again.
On a brighter note, Pete Alonso has managed to secure a spot on the All-Star team for the third consecutive year. While players often emphasize the importance of team success over individual accolades, it's clear that Lindor is eager for his first All-Star appearance as a Met, especially after being snubbed in a close race last year with Orlando Arcia.
All-Star selections aside, there are many reasons for Mets fans to be proud. If the team can enter the break above .500, it would be a significant accomplishment given the deficit they had to overcome earlier in the season. The success of the lineup changes has not only had a positive impact on Lindor and Nimmo but has also energized the entire lineup. It appears that the Mets have found a winning formula that maximizes the contributions of their key players.
Now, if only the bullpen can start closing out games more reliably, the team could be poised for a strong second half of the season.