New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor is set for medical evaluation on Wednesday regarding a stress reaction in his left hamate bone, New York Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns announced Tuesday. Lindor might require surgery, which would entail a recovery period of approximately six weeks, though Stearns remains hopeful that Lindor will be ready to play by Opening Day on March 26.
Stearns explained that Lindor has experienced intermittent soreness in the hamate bone area for several years and continued to play through the discomfort. However, the pain recently intensified when Lindor began workouts upon reporting to spring training camp.
I think it just persisted to the point where he felt like he should say something about it,
Stearns said.
And once we examined it yesterday, our medical staff determined that he should go see a specialist.
– David Stearns, Mets President of Baseball Operations
Adjustments to Mets’ Outfield with Juan Soto Shifting Positions
Alongside the update about Lindor, Stearns disclosed that veteran outfielder Juan Soto will transition from right field to left field for the upcoming season. Soto, 27, played predominantly in right field last year, starting in 157 games in that position and hitting .263 with 43 home runs and 105 RBIs. Despite his recent right field role, Soto has a strong background in left field, having started 458 games there earlier in his career and is expected to play left field for the Dominican Republic in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.
To fill right field, the Mets have a mix of experienced and emerging players such as veteran Tyrone Taylor, top position player prospect Carson Benge, and MJ Melendez, a recent signee. Stearns emphasized that the change allows the team to maximize the athleticism and flexibility of their outfielders.
I think it’s just where he is comfortable,
Stearns said about Soto’s move.
He’s done it in the past. He feels good over there. We’ve talked about it a lot. We’ve got a lot of athletic outfielders — both at the major league level, near the major league level — and so having right field available to them isn’t a bad outcome.
– David Stearns, Mets President of Baseball Operations
Options for Mets’ Shortstop Role Amid Lindor’s Uncertainty
The Mets have a thinner pool of shortstop candidates following the recent trade of Luisangel Acuna, their primary backup last season, to the Chicago White Sox. That move was part of a deal to acquire center fielder Luis Robert Jr. With Lindor’s possible surgery, the team is considering several players for the shortstop role during spring training.
Potential shortstop options include Vidal Brujan, Ronny Mauricio, Christian Arroyo, and Jackson Cluff. Arroyo and Cluff are nonroster invitees, while Mauricio has minor big league experience with two starts at shortstop in his career. Arroyo brings more experience with 19 total starts at shortstop over seven years. Additionally, Bo Bichette, signed this offseason for three years with a significant contract, is expected to transition from shortstop to third base.
If we get to the point where we get closer to Opening Day and there are questions about Francisco, then we’ll cross that bridge when we get there,
Stearns said.
But, at this point, we’re optimistic that regardless of what Francisco needs, he’s going to be ready for Opening Day.
– David Stearns, Mets President of Baseball Operations
Lindor’s Past Season and Impact on World Baseball Classic Participation
Lindor, 32, carries six years and $194.9 million remaining on his contract, after posting a strong performance last season marked by a .267 batting average, 31 home runs, and 31 stolen bases—a 30-30 season achieved by only seven players in 2025. He also tallied 86 RBIs while dealing with a right elbow debridement surgery in late October. Although Lindor was anticipated to fully participate in spring training, the renewed hamate issue delayed these plans.
The hamate injury did not influence Lindor’s insurance status for participating in the World Baseball Classic for Puerto Rico. Both the Puerto Rico Baseball Federation and Lindor were surprised when his insurance coverage was denied late last month, despite his status as team captain.
We had nothing to do with that,
Stearns explained.
I actually don’t know why he wasn’t given the clearance, he wasn’t approved for insurance. Clubs have no part in that. That’s all done through the MLBPA and Major League Baseball.
– David Stearns, Mets President of Baseball Operations
Preparation for MLB Season Opener and International Competition
Juan Soto’s preparation for the season includes working out extensively in left field as part of his responsibilities with the Dominican Republic for the World Baseball Classic. The Mets are gearing up for their season opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates on March 26, a key date that will test the roster adjustments and player health updates announced.
The forthcoming weeks will be crucial for the Mets as they manage Lindor’s recovery and integrate Soto into left field, both moves potentially shaping the team’s defensive and offensive dynamics for the 2026 season.
