Francisco Lindor offers brutally honest take on early-season struggles with the Mets

“That’s a play he makes 100 times out of 100,” New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said, referring to Francisco Lindor’s error in Tuesday’s loss to the Minnesota Twins, the second game of the series in the MLB regular season. Lindor misplayed a routine ball, allowing the Twins to take the lead.

Mistakes happen, but for Lindor, this one stung. While other Mets players, like Juan Soto, have yet to be major difference-makers this season, Lindor came in with high expectations, especially after a year he hoped to improve upon.

Now in his fifth season with the Mets, the 31-year-old shortstop is off to a shaky start. While his numbers aren’t terrible, fans are still waiting for him to return to peak form. After the loss to Minnesota, Lindor didn’t hold back when addressing the media.

“It’s unacceptable what’s happening right now. It’s unacceptable. I’ve got to be better. This isn’t up to the Mets’ standards, and it’s definitely not up to mine. That’s two games already where I’ve cost the team,” Lindor said postgame.

Mendoza backs Lindor amid early-season struggles

Seventeen games into the season, the Mets remain in the hunt for a playoff spot despite a rocky start. Following their recent loss to the Twins, manager Carlos Mendoza reaffirmed his confidence in Lindor, delivering a strong message of support during a postgame interview with SNY.

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“He’ll get there. He’s too good of a player,” Mendoza said when asked about Lindor’s fourth error of the regular season. “I’ll take my chances with him any time.”

With an 11–6 record, the Mets currently sit atop the NL East, holding a one-game lead over the Philadelphia Phillies. Nick Castellanos has been one of the key performers for the Phillies during the early stretch of the campaign.

Lindor addresses early-season slump

While Lindor has yet to find his rhythm, he addressed the team’s slow start and his personal performance earlier this season. Acknowledging the need for improvement, the shortstop admitted he’s still working to regain top form.

“I’ve got to do a way better job to get on base and make things happen,” Lindor said. “I think once I do that, the offense is going to continue to get better.” With the fans already concerned about Lindor’s performance, the player have plenty of room to show what he got in the rest of the MLB season.