Francisco Lindor Bio
Francisco Miguel Lindor Serrano, nicknamed Mr. Smile, is a Puerto Rican professional baseball shortstop for the New York Mets of Major League Baseball (MLB). He was born on November 14, 1993, in Caguas, Puerto Rico, and began playing baseball at a young age. Lindor has previously played for the Cleveland Indians and is known for his elite defensive skills and strong hitting. He has earned multiple accolades, including five All-Star selections and two Gold Glove Awards, and continues to make an impact on the field with his performance.
Early Life and Background
Francisco Lindor was born in Caguas, Puerto Rico, on November 14, 1993, as the third of four children in his family. He began playing baseball at a young age, with his father playing a significant role in his early training. His father would hit him ground balls from a hill, allowing Lindor to practice fielding. As a child, Lindor admired several middle infielders, including Roberto Alomar, Omar Vizquel, Derek Jeter, Jimmy Rollins, and Barry Larkin, which influenced his playing style. At the age of 12, Lindor moved to Central Florida with his family, where he continued to develop his baseball skills and was enrolled at Montverde Academy, a prep school known for its athletic programs. After signing with the Cleveland Indians in August 2011, his mother and two older siblings joined him in Florida.
Path to Baseball
Lindor attended Montverde Academy, where he excelled in baseball and was recognized as one of the top high school players in the country. He was drafted by the Cleveland Indians in the first round of the 2011 MLB draft, being the eighth overall pick. Despite having a full-ride scholarship offer from the Florida State Seminoles baseball team, he chose to sign with the Indians for $2.9 million. Lindor began his professional career with the Mahoning Valley Scrappers in the Low-A New York-Penn League during the 2011 season. He quickly gained recognition as a top prospect, participating in the 2012 All-Star Futures Game and earning accolades as the Indians’ top prospect by Baseball America.
Francisco Lindor Career
Early Career (2015–2020)
Lindor made his MLB debut with the Cleveland Indians on June 14, 2015, after the team purchased his contract from the Columbus Clippers. He recorded his first major league hit during his debut and finished the season with a .313 batting average, 12 home runs, and 51 RBIs in 99 games. His impressive performance earned him the American League Rookie of the Month Award for September and a second-place finish in the AL Rookie of the Year voting. In 2016, Lindor’s breakout season saw him lead the Indians to a World Series appearance, earning his first All-Star selection and Gold Glove Award. He finished the season with a .301 batting average, 15 home runs, and 78 RBIs, solidifying his reputation as one of the league’s top shortstops.
Breakthrough (2021–Present)
Lindor was traded to the New York Mets on January 7, 2021, along with pitcher Carlos Carrasco. Shortly after, he signed a 10-year, $341 million contract extension with the Mets, which is one of the largest contracts in MLB history. Despite a challenging start to the 2021 season, Lindor rebounded and had notable performances, including a game where he hit three home runs in a single game during a Subway Series matchup against the New York Yankees. In 2022, he set a franchise record for RBIs by a Mets shortstop and was named to the All-MLB Second Team. Lindor continued to excel in 2023, achieving his first 30–30 season and becoming the fourth player in Mets history to do so. He finished the 2023 season with a .254 batting average, 31 home runs, and 98 RBIs.
Notable Works and Milestones
Francisco Lindor is recognized for his significant contributions to the game, including multiple All-Star selections and Gold Glove Awards. He has also been a key player in postseason games, achieving notable milestones such as hitting his 200th career home run and joining the 30–30 club. Lindor’s performance continues to elevate him as one of the premier shortstops in Major League Baseball.
Francisco Lindor Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Francisco Lindor has received numerous award nominations, including multiple All-Star selections and recognition for his defensive prowess and offensive contributions.
Francisco Lindor Awards Won
Francisco Lindor has won several prestigious awards, including five All-Star selections, two Gold Glove Awards, and four Silver Slugger Awards, showcasing his excellence in both defense and hitting.
Francisco Lindor Family
Francisco Lindor is married to Katia Reguero, with whom he tied the knot on December 16, 2021, in Miami, Florida. They have three children together.
Personal Life
Lindor is known for his charismatic personality, earning him the nickname Mr. Smile. He has a strong connection to his Puerto Rican heritage and has represented Puerto Rico in international competitions, including the World Baseball Classic.