Mets get worst-case update on Francisco Lindor injury

New York Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns dropped somewhat of a bombshell on Tuesday when he revealed that Mets star shortstop Francisco Lindor was dealing with a stress reaction in his left hamate bone that could leave him needing surgery. 

As SNY's Alex Smith shared, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza announced on Wednesday that Lindor would be going under the knife later in the day. Mendoza also repeated Stearns and said that the Mets are optimistic that Lindor will be good to go for Opening Day. The Mets begin the season with a home series versus the Pittsburgh Pirates on March 26. 

Why Carlos Mendoza is optimistic after Francisco Lindor injury update

"It varies," Mendoza said about Lindor's recovery timeline. "People are saying six weeks for return to play. Knowing Lindor, I’m not going to bet against him. This is a guy who has played through broken toes and the low back two years ago when he could barely walk and was able to play through it. We’re still optimistic that he’s going to be available for us on Opening Day, but we’ve just got to wait and see."

Lindor will not be able to represent Puerto Rico in this year's World Baseball Classic. Understandably, that will mean little to Mets fans hoping to see the club's unnamed captain in the lineup on the final Thursday of March. 

ESPN stats show that Lindor led the 2025 Mets with 644 at-bats and 172 hits, which speaks to his availability last season (160 games). The 32-year-old was third on the team with 31 home runs, fourth with 86 RBI and third with an .811 OPS. Such production and Lindor's stellar glove can't simply be replaced by a next-man-up mentality. 

What happens if Francisco Lindor misses meaningful games? 

Lindor and outfielder Juan Soto are viewed as team leaders after Stearns dismantled the core of the club's roster this offseason. Part of that process involved Stearns acquiring new third baseman Bo Bichette and new second baseman Marcus Semien. Either could slide over to Lindor's position, which could open up playing time for younger options such as Brett Baty and Ronny Mauricio.