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Mets' Francisco Lindor Makes Off-Field Announcement Ahead of MLB Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Feb 16, 2026 4:12 PM ET

The New York Mets enter the 2026 season with a very different look after retooling the roster throughout the winter. Following last year’s collapse after the All‑Star break, which pushed them out of postseason contention on the final day of the regular season, the front office moved on from several familiar faces and rebuilt the roster through the free agent and trade markets.

Even with the turnover, the Mets remain anchored by their franchise pillars. Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto are still the central focus of the organization, with both superstars locked into long‑term deals that position them as the foundation of the club’s competitive window.

It is a smart approach, especially with Lindor still performing at an elite level. Last season, he posted a .267 batting average, .346 on‑base percentage, .811 OPS, 31 home runs and 31 stolen bases across 160 games.

His all‑around production earned him a 10th‑place finish in National League MVP voting and reaffirmed his status as one of the most complete shortstops in baseball.

New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (12)© Amber Searls-Imagn Images

Lindor is currently recovering from surgery to repair a fractured hamate bone in his left hand. The injury is expected to sideline him for approximately six weeks, but the Mets remain optimistic he will return early in the season and continue to anchor the infield.

Even while recovering, Lindor continues to expand his presence off the field. He remains one of the most prominent ambassadors for New Balance as the face of the company’s cleat line, a partnership that has lasted nearly a decade.

On Monday, Lindor took to Instagram to announce his latest signature release, the “Lindor 3,” the third generation of his collaborative baseball cleats. “Every highlight starts when no one is watching. Introducing the Lindor 3. Available February 23rd,” the joint post read.

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With the release approaching, Lindor hopes to debut the cleats on Opening Day, though his status remains uncertain. Across 11 MLB seasons, including six with the Cleveland Guardians and five with the Mets, he has earned five All‑Star selections, two Gold Gloves, one Platinum Glove and four Silver Sluggers.

Even with the injury setback, his focus remains unchanged, and he continues to push toward bringing a World Series title back to Queens.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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