19 Jan GETTING TO KNOW: NEW N.Y. METS SHORTSTOP, FRANCISCO LINDOR
Two weeks ago the New York Mets acquired All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor and starting pitcher Carlos Carrasco from Cleveland on Thursday. The six-player deal sent infielders Amed Rosario and Andrés Giménez and two prospects to the Tribe. Lindor, 27, is a four-time All-Star, two-time Gold Glove Award winner and, as Mets president Sandy Alderson put it, “really one of the great players in Major League Baseball.” Lindor is coming off a down 2020, during which he hit .258 with eight home runs in a 60-game regular season, but he averaged 34 homers a year with a .278 batting average from 2017-19.
FAST FACTS
Name: Francisco Miguel Lindor
Nickname: Mr. Smile
Born: November 14, 1993 (age 27) in Caguas, Puerto Rico
Height: 5’ 11”
Weight: 190 lbs
Position: Shortstop
MLB debut: June 14, 2015, for the Cleveland Indians
2021 Salary: $22,300,000
Favorite Pre-game meal: Pizza
Favorite movie of all time: The Miracle
How excited are you to be a New York Met?
There has been so much excitement about the Mets that I couldn’t help myself but to be excited and happy. It’s a new opportunity for me and my family. I’m blessed.
Are you interested in staying with the Mets long term?
I’m excited to be with the Mets organization, and I continue to emphasize that I’m not against a long term. I’m not against it. It has to make sense for both sides.
Would you negotiate your contract once the season begins?
I have never negotiated a contract during the season. Never. I’ve always said either before spring training, but once it gets to a point in spring training, it’s time to enjoy the ride and focus on winning. That’s the only thing I should be focused on — not how much money do I get, how much money do I need to get for my family. No, it’s about focusing on every day, my task. You are known for both your bat & your glove.
Which do you enjoy more: Getting an RBI hit at the plate or taking away an RBI hit in the field?
Taking away an RBI in the field.
Who did you look up to the most growing up?
My pops! He was the person I always wanted to be like. The man that taught me a lot and the man that is still teaching me things to this day.
Who was your favorite baseball player growing up?
Roberto Alomar
What is your favorite sport other than baseball?
I like basketball & tennis