Lindor vs Henderson 2026 Fantasy Comparison

Gunnar Henderson’s Season

Gunnar had a down season with just 17 home runs. It is likely related to the now reported shoulder impingement injury that he played through in 2025. That said, his strikeout percentage was down. His exit velocity and hard hit percentage stayed strong. His chase rate was at an all-time high at 31% though.

In 2025, Gunnar had a .274 batting average with 17 home runs while driving in just 62 runs, scoring just 85 and stealing a career-high 30 bases.

Francisco Lindor’s Reliability

In each of the last three seasons with the New York Mets, Francisco Lindor has been the most consistent player at the shortstop position. He has delivered the same numbers every year. You can write it in the books.

In 2025, Lindor played 160 games and had a .267 batting average with 31 home runs while scoring 117 runs, and driving in 86 and stealing 31 stolen bases.

2026 Projections Head-to-Head

Power and Speed

Henderson has a lot more pure speed than Lindor. Gunnar has an SPD rating at 113 while Frankie has 93. Age is also a factor. Henderson turns 25 and Frankie turns 33, aka the year that all players stop running. We have to expect that Lindor will have fewer stolen bases than Henderson.

Lineup & Team

Gunnar is slotted into the third spot. With Pete Alonso behind him, you would think he might not run. Juan Soto ran a lot last season, so he will run too. He will have less at bats and score fewer runs from the third spot as his team scores a lot fewer runs than the New York Mets. With the addition of Pete Alonso, he will see more fastballs.

Francisco Lindor will lead off and be followed by two of the best hitters in baseball. He will score a lot of runs but drive in less from the one spot in the lineup.

Key Risk Factors

Age is the only concern for Francisco Lindor. He has been so incredibly consistent, but we need to expect a regression in stolen bases. It just happens at 32 years of age.

Henderson gets a big boost from the ballpark as it boosts left-handed home runs by 31%. Unfortunately for Gunnar, he played through a shoulder injury in 2025 and decided to not get surgery.

Final Recommendation

If you are playing with the SMART System, you know that both players fit into the rules of engagement.  Rule #1 is that Age Matters.  The age of a player matters.  Players over 32 will run less.  Players turning 25 or 26 will have a power surge.  Lindor is 32.  Henderson is 25.

You also know that Rule #2 is Injuries Matter. Henderson recently admitted that he played through a shoulder impingement all last year and that is why he hit 17 home runs and drove in just 62.  Well, he didn’t have surgery.  He feels better because he has not been playing.  When he starts to play, it will be trouble.

So give me Lindor as the safe play and one that is less likely to have shoulder surgery this season.

I won’t fall victim to one of the classic blunders, the most famous of which is “Never get involved in a land war in Asia,” but only slightly lesser known is this: “Never draft a still injured player in the second round when your draft is on the line.”

Baseball is Life, as Vizzini should have known.

People Also Ask

Who has higher fantasy value 2026: Lindor or Henderson?
Henderson edges Roto upside; Lindor points/consistency.

Gunnar Henderson 2026 bounce-back outlook?
Strong power regression expected.

Francisco Lindor fantasy after consistent years?
Reliable 25-30/25-30 floor.

Best shortstops 2026 after Witt/De La Cruz?
These two battle for No. 3-4.

How does team affect Lindor vs. Henderson fantasy?
Both strong lineups; Henderson youth advantage.

Looking for more help with your 2026 Fantasy Baseball Draft? Check these top 20 positional rankings:

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