The New York Mets announced that All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor will undergo evaluation for a stress reaction in his left hamate bone that may require surgery. This development came on Tuesday, with team president of baseball operations David Stearns explaining that Lindor had reported soreness in his left hand and wrist in recent days. The shortstop is scheduled to consult a specialist on Wednesday, and if surgery is needed, the expected recovery period would be around six weeks.
Stearns addressed concerns about Lindor’s status, stating,
“Even if it does require a surgery, we would remain optimistic that Francisco would be back for Opening Day,”
during a press conference that marked the beginning of spring training.
Lindor’s History with Hand Soreness and Team Medical Assessment
Lindor, 32, has experienced intermittent soreness in the left hand area over the past few years but has usually been able to continue playing through the discomfort. Stearns commented on the progression of Lindor’s symptoms:
“He’s usually able to grind through it, and he’s done it,”
and added,
“I don’t know when he first felt it, but I think it just persisted to the point where he felt like he should say something about it. Once we examined it a little bit more yesterday, our medical staff determined that he should see a specialist.”
Juan Soto’s Transition to Left Field and Lineup Adjustments
The Mets also revealed changes to their outfield configuration, confirming that All-Star slugger Juan Soto will shift from right field to left field for the upcoming season. Soto, 27, has been practicing in left field during the offseason and is expected to continue in that role representing the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic. The team noted that potential candidates to fill the right field position include Tyrone Taylor, Brett Baty, or prospect Carson Benge.
Soto’s defensive experience includes playing six games in left field during the 2024 season compared to 145 games in right field, with an additional three games as a designated hitter. Over his career, Soto has started 603 games in right field and 458 in left field among 1,063 regular-season games. In 2023, he played exclusively as a left fielder with the San Diego Padres. Last season, Soto posted a .263 batting average, with 43 home runs, 105 RBIs, a .396 on-base percentage, and a .525 slugging percentage.
Recent Performance and Career Highlights of Francisco Lindor
Last season, Lindor earned his fifth career All-Star selection and first as a Met, compiling a .267 batting average with 31 home runs and 86 RBIs. He led the National League with 644 at-bats and topped the majors with 732 plate appearances over 160 games. Since entering the league, Lindor has maintained a .273 career batting average, totaling 279 home runs and 856 RBIs in 1,535 games with the Cleveland Indians and New York Mets. Additionally, Lindor has contributed .263 with eight home runs and 21 RBIs across 41 playoff games.
Mets Add Left-Handed Reliever Bryan Hudson Amid Injured List Move
On the same day, the Mets acquired left-handed reliever Bryan Hudson from the Chicago White Sox in exchange for cash considerations. Correspondingly, right-handed pitcher Reed Garrett, who underwent Tommy John surgery in October and is projected to miss the entire 2026 season, was placed on the 60-day injured list.
Hudson, 28, appeared in 16 games last season split between the Milwaukee Brewers and Chicago White Sox, recording a 0-1 record with a 4.80 ERA, 13 walks, and 19 strikeouts in 15 innings pitched out of the bullpen. After being claimed off waivers by Chicago from Milwaukee in August 2025, Hudson was designated for assignment in early February.
The 6-foot-8 reliever has an overall career record of 6-2 with a 2.83 ERA, 34 walks, and 88 strikeouts in 86 innings across 65 appearances for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Brewers, and White Sox. Originally drafted in the third round of the 2015 MLB Draft by the Chicago Cubs, Hudson brings valuable depth to the Mets’ bullpen.
Implications for the Mets’ Season and Player Availability
The Mets face important questions regarding Francisco Lindor’s availability as they prepare for the new season, with surgery and recovery potentially impacting their infield stability. At the same time, reconfiguring Juan Soto to left field introduces strategic adjustments to the team’s lineup and defensive alignment. Adding Bryan Hudson to the bullpen helps compensate for Garrett’s season-ending injury, contributing to the team’s pitching options. These moves demonstrate the Mets’ commitment to maintaining competitiveness amid uncertainties surrounding key players as they look ahead to Opening Day and the 2026 campaign.
