For a player who has built his reputation on consistency and composure, Francisco Lindor is experiencing a start to the 2026 MLB season that feels unusually uncertain.
The New York Mets entered the year expecting their All-Star shortstop to anchor a revamped roster, but through the opening weeks, it is his struggles that have become one of the team’s defining storylines.
The latest setback came in an 11-6 loss to the Oakland Athletics, a game that extended the Mets’ losing streak and intensified scrutiny on their most recognizable player.
In the second inning, a defensive lapse by Lindor allowed a potential double play to slip away, prolonging the inning and putting added pressure on starting pitcher Kodai Senga.
Lindor did not shy away from accountability afterward. “I went after the ball, and Marcus was there,” he said. “I didn’t make it to second base. We didn’t turn the double play. Senga could’ve gotten out of the inning right there, and I didn’t help him.”
What has stood out most is not simply the production, but the nature of Lindor‘s mistakes. Long regarded as one of the league’s most reliable defensive shortstops, he has already been involved in several uncharacteristic miscues.
Earlier this month against the St. Louis Cardinals, Lindor lost track of the number of outs on a routine play, extending an inning that should have ended cleanly. In another instance, he was picked off base during a key moment, compounding a series of mental errors that have raised eyebrows within the organization.
Asked to explain the stretch, Lindor admitted there was no clear answer. “Not sure,” he said. “I feel like I’m locked in. I feel like I’m in the game. It just happens. Got to be better.”
Manager Carlos Mendoza echoed that sentiment, calling the situation “weird” while expressing confidence in his shortstop’s preparation. “He’s the same guy,” Mendoza said. “He shows up. He prepares. He works as hard as anybody. He wants to win.”
Offensive struggles deepen the spotlight
The defensive issues have coincided with a slow start at the plate, amplifying the pressure. Through the opening stretch, Lindor is hitting below .200 with no runs batted in, a sharp contrast to his 2025 campaign, when he delivered 31 home runs and an .812 OPS.
The timing has only made matters more difficult for New York. With Juan Soto sidelined by injury, the Mets have leaned more heavily on Lindor to carry the offense. Instead, the lineup has struggled for consistency, and the team has been outscored heavily during its recent skid.
Despite the criticism, Lindor has resisted pointing to external factors, including a shortened spring following a hamate bone procedure. “I’m a professional baseball player,” he said. “I’ve just got to be better. I’ve got to help this team win.”
A critical stretch ahead for Mets’ star
For Lindor, the path forward is clear, even if the timeline is uncertain. His track record suggests that improvement is likely, but in a market like New York, patience can wear thin quickly.
There have been small signs of progress, including a recent multi-game hitting streak, but they have yet to translate into wins. The Mets, still adjusting after an offseason overhaul, need their cornerstone player to stabilize both the infield and the lineup.
As the season begins to take shape, the coming weeks may prove pivotal. If Lindor returns to form, the early struggles will fade into the background. If not, the questions surrounding his start will only grow louder.
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