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Mets Make Francisco Lindor Decision After Third Straight Loss

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Aug 6, 2025 1:21 PM ET

The New York Mets have been battling the Philadelphia Phillies all season for first place in the NL East, but after dropping their third straight game, they now sit 2.5 games back in the division race.

Despite the recent skid, the Mets are still having a strong season, thanks in large part to superstar shortstop Francisco Lindor, who’s putting together another excellent campaign.

The 31-year-old is once again showcasing his two-way impact in 2025, delivering power at the plate while playing Gold Glove-caliber defense in the middle of the infield.

In 112 games, Lindor is batting .251 with a .757 OPS, 21 home runs, 64 RBIs, and 17 stolen bases.

Francisco Lindor Returns to Familiar Role

Ahead of Wednesday’s series finale against the Cleveland Guardians, the Mets reverted to the lineup that brought them success earlier in the season.

Lindor was moved back into the leadoff spot for the first time in over a month, while teammate Brandon Nimmo, who had been hitting first, shifted to the cleanup spot.

Series finale. #LGM pic.twitter.com/PVdIAPD4se
— New York Mets (@Mets) August 6, 2025

Carlos Mendoza Explains Lineup Change

Before the game, manager Carlos Mendoza addressed the change, saying, “Just trying to move people around, give a different look to the lineup... still keeping those top four guys on the first four spots in the lineup.”

The four players Mendoza referenced—Lindor, Nimmo, Juan Soto, and Pete Alonso—have led the Mets’ offense this season, and Mendoza made it clear that they’ll continue to receive the most at-bats.

"Just trying to move people around, give a different look to the lineup...still keeping those top four guys on the first four spots in the lineup"

Carlos Mendoza on moving Francisco Lindor back to the leadoff spot pic.twitter.com/FTlFNEV3Du
— SNY (@SNYtv) August 6, 2025

Lindor Continues to Shine as Face of the Mets Franchise

Lindor arrived in New York via trade from Cleveland in 2021, a move that signaled the Mets’ intent to compete under new owner Steve Cohen. He later signed a 10-year, $341 million extension, cementing his role as the face of the franchise.

Since joining the Mets, Lindor has earned two Silver Slugger Awards, an All-Star selection, and finished top-10 in NL MVP voting in each of the last three seasons. Over 710 games with New York, he’s compiled 710 hits, 131 home runs, a .258 batting average, and a .791 OPS. His leadership remains central to the Mets’ success as they push toward a return to the postseason.

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

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