Feb 24, 2025; Jupiter, Florida, USA; New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) throws to first base and retires St. Louis Cardinals second baseman Brendan Donovan (not pictured) during the first inning at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

John Franco on why the Mets should name Francisco Lindor their next team captain

Originally posted on New York Mets on SI
By Logan VanDine | Last updated Feb 25, 2025 5:00 PM ET

Being named team captain of the New York Mets is a very rare occurrence, as only four players have ever been given that title in franchise history.

Now that Francisco Lindor is entering his fifth season with the Mets, there has been some chatter that he should be named the fifth team captain in team history due to his leadership on and off the field for New York.

Even though there has been no public talk about that possibility from owner Steve Cohen and president of baseball operations David Stearns, Lindor received the blessing from one of the Mets' former team captains.

Speaking exclusively with SNY's Andy Martino, former Mets closer and team captain John Franco made it clear to Lindor on Tuesday that he should be a part of that rare list.

“I want to see you get that ‘C’ on your chest," Franco told Lindor.

John Franco, 1 of just 4 people to serve as Mets captain, elaborates on why he believes Francisco Lindor should get the job. He also talks about leadership and the previous captain, David Wright.https://t.co/6w0DxBypBR
— Andy Martino (@martinonyc) February 25, 2025

Despite Lindor not being officially named captain of the Amazin's just yet, Franco told Martino that he still sees a team captain in the 31-year-old due to the consistent leadership he has provided since arriving in Flushing four years ago.

“He’s the unofficial captain anyways,” Franco told SNY. “There is leadership with the way he presents himself on the field — and off the field. When he was going bad, he had the same demeanor, the same approach.

“And the way he gets to know the younger players and talks to them, almost like teaching. I see him talking with the young guys and hitting, fielding, even the pitching. There are leadership qualities in the way he presents himself.”

This article first appeared on New York Mets on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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