Mets manager Carlos Mendoza explains why he’s standing by Francisco Lindor amid career-worst slump

Francisco Lindor has been a cornerstone of the New York Mets since his blockbuster trade in 2021, but 2025 has brought a new and unexpected challenge: a prolonged slump that continues to puzzle fans and analysts alike. Through it all, Carlos Mendoza has remained firmly in Lindor’s corner.

With each passing game, the calls for lineup changes and reduced playing time grow louder. But Mendoza, in his first season managing the Mets, is choosing patience and perspective over panic. And his reasoning goes deeper than numbers.

“It doesn’t matter whether he’s going 4-for-4 and hitting walk-off homers, he’s going to be the same guy no matter what — it’s all about winning for him,” Mendoza told reporters, emphasizing Lindor’s leadership and consistency behind the scenes, according to SNY.

Lindor’s struggles by the numbers

Lindor’s batting average has dipped below the Mendoza Line for a troubling stretch, hovering in the low .190s well past the halfway point of the season. His on-base percentage and slugging percentage are also down compared to previous years, and his strikeout rate has increased noticeably.

Francisco Lindor #12 of the New York Mets celebrates his first inning home run against the Miami Marlins with the manager Carlos Mendoza #64 (L) at Citi Field on August 17, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

While his defense at shortstop remains dependable, the offensive dip has been stark — particularly given his $341 million contract and role as a clubhouse leader.

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Why Mendoza won’t budge

Despite the numbers, Mendoza’s stance has remained consistent. He cites Lindor’s work ethic, leadership, and history of resilience as key factors in the decision to keep him in the lineup.

“It’s how he engages on defense, the conversations in the dugout, and helping the younger guys too — whether it’s approach, what he’s seeing from the pitchers,” Mendoza explained. “He’s pretty steady and we haven’t seen any signs of frustration or anything like that.” The Mets’ manager also emphasized the long-term view — that building a winning culture involves trust and belief, even during downturns.

“Future Hall of Famer”: Mendoza believes the bats will return

Still, there’s no plan to take Lindor out of the lineup or drop him in the order. Instead, Mendoza is betting on his veteran to work his way out of the slump the only way he knows how — by staying aggressive. “He’s aggressive, he’s going to go out there and he’s going to swing,” Mendoza said. “The 0-for-3 with a walk is an 0-for-4 because he’s going hack — that’s just the type of player he is and the player he’s always been.”

The Mets skipper pointed to Lindor’s preparation as a key factor in his eventual resurgence. “He’s too smart — this is a guy who is watching film all the time, he’s talking with the hitting coaches constantly, he was out there hitting early yesterday and again today,” Mendoza added. “It’s not the first time, it’s not going to be the last time, he’ll get through it.”

Despite the historic nature of the slump, Mendoza closed with a reminder of Lindor’s pedigree: “We’re talking about a future Hall of Famer.”