At the start of spring training in Port St. Lucie, the New York Mets revealed that shortstop Francisco Lindor will consult a hand specialist to examine soreness in his left hand and wrist area. The team has classified the issue as a stress reaction, but David Stearns, the Mets’ president of baseball operations, confirmed that surgery on Lindor’s hamate bone may be necessary. Despite this, the organization currently does not anticipate any missed regular-season games for Lindor.
Potential Surgery and Recovery Timeline for Lindor
If Lindor requires hamate surgery, the Mets believe there will still be sufficient time for him to recover before Opening Day. Stearns explained the recovery process involves approximately six weeks, including Grapefruit League game participation as part of his rehabilitation.
“That is inclusive of a ramp-up period where he’s in Major League spring training games,”
Stearns stated.
“He would be able to get into competition before the start of the season.”
Lindor’s Past Durability and Commitment to Team
Known for his resilience, the 32-year-old Lindor has played at least 152 games every year for the past four seasons and values being available on a daily basis. His toughness was evident last season when he played through a back injury, even declining paternity leave to remain with the Mets during their push for the playoffs. While his objective is to be healthy enough to play all 162 games, he has missed only two stints on the injured list over 11 seasons—in 2019 and 2021—with minor absences for various injuries managed with trainer advice.
World Baseball Classic Participation Controversy
Lindor’s current injury is unrelated to the decision by Major League Baseball’s insurance carrier to deny coverage for his participation in the upcoming World Baseball Classic (WBC). As the captain of Puerto Rico’s team, he was not cleared to play following a minor procedure on his right elbow during the offseason, which stirred controversy. Other MLB players, including Houston Astros infielders Carlos Correa (Puerto Rico) and Jose Altuve (Venezuela), were similarly denied insurance coverage.
Alternative insurance options were explored, including an offer from Grammy-winning artist Bad Bunny to fund coverage for Lindor and Correa. However, the players were ultimately not cleared to participate. Stearns emphasized that the Mets had no role in the insurance denial.
“We had nothing to do with that,”
he said.
“I actually don’t know why he wasn’t able to get insurance. Clubs have no part in that.”
Shortstop Position Plans Amid Lindor’s Uncertainty
Though the Mets have not yet finalized a backup plan if Lindor’s hand injury prevents him from starting the season, several internal options exist. Bo Bichette, acquired to play third base, has a background as a shortstop. Other infielders present at camp, such as Vidal Bruján, Grae Kessinger, Jackson Cluff, and Ronny Mauricio, are potential candidates to fill in at shortstop on a temporary basis. Stearns remarked,
“I think we’ll tackle that when we get to Opening Day.”
Juan Soto’s Transition to Left Field
In a notable change, Juan Soto will shift from right field to left field this season. Both Soto and the Mets reached this decision after recent discussions. Stearns acknowledged this move was unexpected, as earlier reports had the Mets seeking Kyle Tucker for a possible left field role. The new plan emerged following conversations between manager Carlos Mendoza and Soto, who had practiced left field in preparation for the WBC with the Dominican team.
Soto’s defensive performance in right field last year was among the worst of his career (-11 Outs Above Average, -13 Fielding Runs), so the Mets aim for an improved alignment with Soto in left field paired with either Carson Benge or Tyrone Taylor in right field.
“We would expect Juan to have a better defensive year in right or left this year, and I think Juan expects to have a better defensive year in right or left,”
Stearns said.
“We were — and are — open to either, but it made sense for our roster, and certainly everyone feels comfortable having him in left field.”
Implications and Outlook for the Mets’ Season
The Mets entered spring training with some uncertainty about Lindor’s health but remain optimistic about his availability when the regular season begins. Their depth in the infield could help mitigate any short-term absences. Meanwhile, repositioning Soto could bolster the team’s defensive capabilities in the outfield, balancing their lineup more effectively. Both moves reflect strategic adjustments aimed at strengthening the team’s chances of success.
As spring training progresses, attention will focus on Lindor’s medical evaluation and Soto’s adaptation to left field, with the Mets hopeful these developments lead to positive contributions throughout the upcoming season.
