However, a familiar face is stepping up to block out the static. Mets legend Jose Reyes took to social media to offer a full-throated defense of the face of the franchise.

“Relax everybody. My guy Francisco Lindor is going to be good,” Reyes posted. “Bad days happen, that’s baseball. Could happen to anyone. He’s human just like all of us. Watch how he responds… this is going to be good for him and for the organization.”

The veteran shortstop’s struggles reached a tipping point during a recent loss to the St. Louis Cardinals, where a uncharacteristic mental error proved costly. Lindor took full accountability in the clubhouse afterward, but the blunder has only intensified the scrutiny on his cold bat.

Even manager Carlos Mendoza has found himself navigating difficult questions regarding the production at the top of the lineup, which includes fellow slugger Bo Bichette.

By the numbers: Lindor’s cold start

While the Mets’ 3-3 record is a team effort, Lindor’s individual metrics highlight a player searching for his rhythm. Despite showing elite discipline at the plate—drawing seven walks against just three strikeouts—the power and contact have yet to follow.

Francisco Lindor: 2026 Opening Week Stats

• At-Bats: 21
• Hits: 3
• Batting Average: .143
• OBP: .379
• SLG: .333
• OPS: .712
• HR / RBI: 0 / 0
• Runs Scored: 5

Is this a pattern?

To understand the current panic in Queens, one must look at how this stretch compares to Lindor’s previous starts. While the .143 average is jarring, his high On-Base Percentage (OBP) suggests he isn’t “chasing,” he’s simply missing his pitches.

Here is how Lindor’s first six games of 2026 stack up against his performance during the same stretch from 2022 to 2025:

Lindor acknowledged his role in the outcome, saying he forgot the number of outs during the first inning. The lapse forced Freddy Peralta to throw extra pitches, extending the inning and potentially altering the game’s momentum.“Inexcusable,” Lindor said according to MLB.com. “I just forgot the outs,” he admitted.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza defended Lindor’s later baserunning pickoff but stressed the importance of avoiding first‑inning lapses. The error underscored the team’s ongoing struggles with focus and execution early in games, after Mendoza stuttered while calling out Mets stars Bichette and Lindor.

How the first inning unfolded

With one out, Ivan Herrera singled to get on base. The next batter grounded to Lindor, who tagged second base, unaware it was the inning’s second out. Instead of turning a double play at first, he began moving toward the dugout before realizing the mistake. Peralta managed to strike out the next batter but needed five extra pitches to do so.

Later in the sixth inning, Lindor reached base on an error and was picked off before Soto came to the plate. Soto’s subsequent home run would have been a two-run shot, meaning Lindor’s miscue directly impacted the scoring opportunity.

Looking ahead for the Mets

The loss leaves the Mets at 3-3 on the season. They head into a weekend series against the San Francisco Giants, hoping to regroup and limit mental errors that have cost them games early this season. Mendoza emphasized that while aggressiveness is encouraged, attention to situational awareness remains a top priority for his team.

Mendoza, however, didn’t go as far as to throw his players under the bus after the 2-1 loss in the series closer against the Cardinals. However, New York’s manager addressed the struggles at the plate. The fact Mendoza stumbled over his words only made everything look worse for him, Bichette, Lindor, and the rest of the Mets.

“We’ve got to get back to what we do well. [We’ve got] good hitters that, right now for a couple of games, they’re not getting it done,” Mendoza said—being mindful of the words he used—after the game, via @SNY_Mets on X.

Mendoza didn’t give out names, but he really didn’t have to. Fans in Queens know exactly whom his message was intended for. Bichette and Lindor are in the eye of the storm after yet another concerning outing. Frankly, virtually every player on the roster is under the microscope, though. But with Bichette and Lindor, the criticism is the loudest.

Bichette is off to rough start

Since his arrival, Bichette has struggled tremendously on the Mets. So far in the season, Bichette has had the most at-bats on the team (27), but registers concerning numbers: .111 AVG, .138 OBP, and .249 OPS. Bichette heard the jeering from fans, and he eyes a redemption tour with the Mets, but as it stands, that tour has yet to announce its dates and venues.

Bichette’s 8 strikeouts are the most in New York, tied with Marcus Semien, another player who’s feeling the wrath of the fanbase in Queens. As the two offseason acquisitions struggle, David Stearns and the front office are getting an earful from fans, as well.

Lindor’s mistakes

Lindor has been a tad better than Bichette at the plate, but it’s every other area of the game where he has had a rough start to the 2026 MLB campaign. Against the Cardinals on Wednesday, Lindor made two mental mistakes that fans won’t soon forget. First, Lindor was picked off at first base with Juan Soto at the plate.

To make matters worse, Soto hit a solo home run two pitches later. That was New York’s lone run of the afternoon after being blanked in the previous game. Lindor’s struggles didn’t start there, either. In the first inning, he lost track of the outs and let a chance at a double play slip through his fingers, as he jogged into second base instead of making the play and throwing to first immediately.

Mets are in trouble early

Lindor is off his game. New York’s focus is off, too. Mendoza shied away from calling his players out after only six games this season, but it may have been called for. The Orange and Blue must now tread lightly—if they’re not careful, their season may be over before they know it.

“What really caught my attention was the players on the team like Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor. On top of that, my dad has always been a Mets fan, so the chance to come here and be closer to him made the decision even easier. Thank God we did,” Polanco told Miriam Luz on Instagram (@miriamluz._).

While there isn’t much widely available information about his father, it is known that his name is Marino Polanco. According to SportsKeeda, he once played for the San Francisco Giants, although there are no official stats listed for him in either the minors or majors.

Polanco was separated from his father for years

Beyond the opportunity to share a clubhouse with Soto and Lindor, fellow Caribbean stars, Polanco is also reconnecting with his father, who has lived in New York for years. The two were separated not only during Polanco’s time with the Mariners and Twins, but also earlier in his childhood.

SportsKeeda detailed that Polanco did not see his father until he was four years old, after returning to the Dominican Republic with his mother. It remains unclear whether they were separated again during his teenage years, as Polanco signed with the Twins at just 16.

Now on a two-year deal with the Mets, Polanco will have the chance to stay close to his father. If he performs well over the next couple of seasons, there’s a strong possibility he could earn another contract to remain in New York, both with the club and near his family, while already off to a modest .200 start at the plate.

“He’s one of the best hitters in the game. He’s going to have a lot of big moments for us,” Lindor said, also pointing to his own adjustment period after arriving from another team. “This is only normal, we are all with him, we know what kind of hitter he is.”

Lindor has had a close look at his teammate’s at-bats, and despite Bichette’s 1-for-14 start, he noted there have been some encouraging swings. Bichette recently addressed the boos from Mets fans, acknowledging his early struggles at the plate.

Lindor hasn’t had it easy either

Lindor is dealing with his own slow start, though not as rough as Bichette’s. He’s currently 2-for-11, finishing the opening series with a .182 average, with both of his hits coming in the final game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Compared to the start of the 2025 season, this is actually an improvement for Lindor, who went hitless against the Houston Astros in last year’s opening series, despite that season ultimately becoming one of the best of his career, finishing with 644 at-bats, 172 hits, and earning MVP and All-Star consideration.

According to Baseball Reference projections, Lindor is expected to hit .262 with 80 RBIs and at least 28 home runs in 2026. Those numbers would align with his recent production, having posted three straight seasons with 30+ home runs and 80+ RBIs, key contributions for the Mets’ goals this year.

Bichette’s struggles go beyond the plate. With just one hit in 11 at-bats, it’s a concerning start for a player who was highly productive with the Toronto Blue Jays. Still, it’s early in the season, and he’s projected to hit around 15 home runs in 2026.

Lindor, meanwhile, had scored three runs during the series against the Pittsburgh Pirates, reaching base primarily through walks in the first two games. It’s a similar pattern to his 2025 MLB start, when he struggled early and managed just one RBI across the first three games.

Bichette and Lindor still carry strong projections

Despite the slow start, Baseball Reference projects solid numbers for both players in 2026. Bichette is projected to hit .288 with 70 RBIs and 146 hits in roughly 507 at-bats, keeping expectations high for his impact this season.

Lindor is projected for a .262 average with around 28 home runs, numbers close to his 2025 production (.267 with 31 home runs). He’s also projected to record 147 hits and drive in about 10 more RBIs than Bichette.

For both players to meet those projections, staying healthy will be key. Lindor played 160 games last season, while Bichette appeared in 139 but still finished strong with a .311 average, one of the reasons the Mets were drawn to him.

What are people saying about Bichette’s struggles?

So far, reactions to Bichette have been mixed. Some criticism has focused on his defense at third base, a position previously handled by Brett Baty, who had been solid there. With a new player at the position, concerns have started to surface.

“I wonder how rigid the Mets plan to be with Bichette at 3B with Baty on the roster. Too many of these throws are an adventure,” wrote James Schiano, pointing out potential issues, especially with ground-ball pitchers like McLean or Peterson on the mound.

There haven’t been major defensive breakdowns yet, but chemistry remains a concern. Bichette is still adjusting to working with a relatively new first baseman, and the lack of efficiency has been noticeable through the first three games.

“Jorge Polanco and Bo Bichette have looked rough at the corners today. It didn’t cost the Mets a run, but it certainly cost David Peterson a lot of unneeded extra labor,” wrote Laura Albanese, referencing difficult throws from Bichette that extended innings against the Pirates.

“I want to be out there every day,” he said via the reporter Joel Sherman. Big goals are achieved collectively, and Lindor is not only relying on his teammates—he’s also aiming to do everything he can to support them on the field.

“I take pride in playing. I take pride in being available for my teammates,” he also added. “At the end of the day, I want to help this team win… and the best way I can do that is being on the field.”

Injuries continue to plague the Mets

The New York Mets have finally moved past the uncertainty surrounding Francisco Lindor’s recovery from hamate bone surgery on his left hand. His return to the lineup provides much-needed veteran leadership just as the regular season begins.

However, Carlos Mendoza must now pivot his strategy once again. He is currently tasked with navigating the roster without Mike Tauchman, who is set to undergo surgery for a torn meniscus in his left knee.

New York Mets’ alternatives at shortstop

Francisco Lindor will be accompanied by a highly versatile group of infielders on the Opening Day roster. Bo Bichette, who was acquired to play third base, serves as the primary high-profile backup at shortstop if needed.

Additionally, the Mets are expected to carry Vidal Brujan as a key utility player. He provides the team with a reliable defensive option who can cover multiple positions across the diamond.

The Mets await Opening Day

The New York Mets will officially kick off their 2026 regular season this Thursday, March 26. The game is scheduled for 1:15 p.m. ET at Citi Field, where they will host the Pittsburgh Pirates for their home opener.

“I think everything is going in the right direction,” he said during a press conference via SNY. Additionally, he gave special thanks to his coaches who have been supporting him, and he hopes that everything stays on course.

Carlos Mendoza is expected to rely heavily on Lindor regarding the rotation, despite having a roster full of elite players who will also aim to take their team to the top, such as Bo Bichette, Juan Soto and Freddy Peralta.

Francisco Lindor’s recent injuries

Lindor‘s journey to the upcoming season has been defined by resilience after undergoing a surgical cleanup of his right elbow last October, followed by a mid-February procedure to repair a fractured hamate bone in his left hand. Despite these two setbacks, the NY Mets reportedly believe he will be ready for Opening Day.

Lindor’s first moves

The Puerto Rican made an encouraging spring debut this Sunday, recording a base hit and a run scored in three plate appearances against the Blue Jays. The Mets shortstop looked sharp during his four innings of play, showing steady progress in his timing and rhythm as he prepares for the upcoming 2026 season.

Mendoza has elite alternatives

Fortunately for Mets fans, Carlos Mendoza has a versatile and high-caliber safety net to maintain the team’s momentum in case Francisco Lindor suffers any significant setback during the season.

The most seamless transition would involve shifting Bo Bichette back to his natural shortstop position, while the impressive spring performances of Ronny Mauricio and Luisangel Acuña provides New York with explosive young talent ready to fill the void at a moment’s notice.

When is the New York Mets’ season opener?

The New York Mets will officially kick off their 2026 regular season at home on Thursday, March 26. They are scheduled to host the Pittsburgh Pirates at Citi Field, with the first pitch set for 1:15 PM ET.

“Stearns did a good job this offseason and I’m excited for this year,” Lindor admitted to the media about New York’s roster acquisitions for the 2026 MLB campaign, via @SNY_Mets on X.

Much has been said about Stearns as the 2025–26 offseason turned into a roller coaster for the Mets. Watching franchise icons like Pete Alonso, Edwin Díaz, and Brandon Nimmo leave, fans in Queens expressed concerns about the direction their beloved baseball club was headed. Needless to say, Lindor’s public support for his decisions is a pleasant sight for Stearns, who’s been through the wringer.

Lindor is back for the NY Mets

Lindor made his Grapefruit League debut against the Toronto Blue Jays. The Mets prevailed 8-1 in a game that concluded in the sixth inning due to inclement weather. After undergoing surgery on his left hamate bone in February, Lindor had missed some time during a crucial stretch of the Mets’ spring training schedule. In his return after the medical procedure, Lindor recorded a .333 batting average while slashing for one hit and a run.

Now, Lindor is back, and his expectations for the Orange and Blue remain sky-high. The Puerto Rican made that clear as he vouched for Stearns, whose offseason moves have been under the microscope.

Lindor’s stats with NY Mets in 2025

Last season, Francisco Lindor batted for an average of .267. Moreover, he totaled 117 runs, 172 hits, 31 home runs, 86 RBIs, and 31 stolen bases. The 32-year-old shortstop slashed for a .346 OBP, .466 SLG, .811 OPS, and 5.8 WAR.

Stearns and the Mets hope there is more from where that came from. After the disheartening ending to the 2025 MLB season, New York cannot afford another misstep. Its hopes will be riding on the shoulders of the stars in Queens.

As Spring Training continues, the Mets are closely monitoring his progress while gradually increasing his baseball activities. Although there was early doubt about whether he could return in time, the organization believes there is still a realistic chance he could be ready.

According to reports, the team is encouraged by Lindor’s recent progress. “People within the Mets, including David Stearns, remain optimistic that Lindor will be ready for Opening Day,” wrote Will Sammon and Tim Britton of The Athletic.

Lindor increasing baseball activities

Over the past two weeks, Lindor has ramped up his baseball activities as part of his recovery process. The Mets are watching closely to see whether he can appear in games before the end of Spring Training.

After team president of baseball operations David Stearns admitted that the Mets would face a difficult decision on Carson Benge for Opening Day, he added that Lindor appearing in game action would be an important step if he hopes to be included in the Opening Day lineup.

Mets taking a careful approach

The Mets believe their roster depth gives them flexibility in Lindor’s recovery timeline. The team does not plan to rush him back too quickly, but they also will not hold him out longer than necessary if he proves ready to play.

If Lindor can return to game action within the next several days, the Mets could still include their star shortstop on the Opening Day roster as they prepare to begin the 2026 MLB season.

Manager Carlos Mendoza addressed the media Tuesday morning and confirmed that Lindor has begun taking important steps in his rehab, including playing catch, doing light defensive drills, and preparing to resume swinging the bat.

“He played catch yesterday and he was able to catch the baseball,” Mendoza said, according to SNY. “He’s going to go through some light defensive drills. So now incorporating more baseball activity. Hopefully he starts swinging a bat… if it’s not today, I’m pretty sure tomorrow he’ll start that.”

The Mets have avoided setting a strict timeline throughout the recovery process. From the beginning, the expectation was that Lindor would be ready for Opening Day, though that confidence has largely been rooted in his toughness and track record rather than a firm medical guarantee.

Why Lindor’s track record matters

Lindor’s durability has been one of his defining traits. He has made at least 150 starts in each of the past four seasons and routinely plays through discomfort. After suffering a broken toe last year, he missed just one game before returning to deliver a key two-run double off the bench and ultimately appeared in 160 of 162 games.

For now, all indications are positive. If Lindor continues advancing without setbacks, the Mets may very well have their franchise shortstop in the lineup when the season begins.