Francisco Lindor is a Met. Excited yet?

There is almost nothing to write in a preview of Francisco Lindor’s 2021 season that will change anyone’s opinion. The Mets acquired a player at the start of his prime who excels on both sides of the ball and is one of the most electric and exciting in all of baseball. The trade that took him from Cleveland was incredibly Mets-friendly, and it looks like he is on the verge of being a Met for a very, very long time.

Excited yet?

With the exception of his rookie season, when he was a finalist for Rookie of the Year, and last year, when there wasn’t an All-Star Game, Lindor has been an All-Star each season in his career. Aside from those same two seasons, Lindor has been a top-15 MVP candidate each year. In his career, he has won two Gold Gloves and two Silver Sluggers. He’s averaged 29 home runs a year as a pro, and accumulated 28.8 bWAR.

Excited yet?

Lindor is one of the best shortstops in baseball, a consensus top-5 player on both sides of the ball and, statistically, the best defensive shortstop over the life of his career save Andrelton Simmons. His range on the infield will help both J.D. Davis at third base and Jeff McNeil at second, and will be a huge boon to a ground ball heavy pitching staff. While there is no doubt that Lindor will eventually decline in his defensive skills, that isn’t going to be in 2021, and so Mets fans can watch the most talented defensive shortstop the team has had since Rey Ordnoñez every day.

Excited yet?

Despite a down year last year offensively, there’s evidence to suggest that it is nothing to be too concerned about. His walk rate and strikeout rates remained relatively stable, as did his hard-hit ball rate. His line drive percentage actually improved in 2020, with a career-high rate of 33%. With (hopefully) his contract situation resolved, fans back in the ballpark, and a lineup around him that offers a ton of protection, Lindor should be able to relax a bit and just focus on hitting.

Excited yet?

Lindor is known for his amazing smile, and for the positive attitude he brings to just about everything he does. He’s already been praised as an excellent teammate and someone who is willing to work not just on his game, but help others with theirs, too. He radiates positivity and love of the game with all that he does.

Excited yet?

Lindor has also had an impressive spring, showing off his defensive skills and leading the team with four spring home runs. Over the last week, Lindor has been red hot at the plate, and looks absolutely primed to have a big first season in New York.

Excited yet?