Francisco Lindor shares injury update, discusses alleged clubhouse problems that impacted 2025 Mets

New York Mets fans were concerned to learn last week that star shortstop Francisco Lindor needed surgery for a stress reaction in his left hamate bone.

While speaking with reporters on Sunday, Lindor addressed whether or not he thinks he'll be in the lineup when the Mets open the regular season with a home game versus the Pittsburgh Pirates on March 26.

Is Francisco Lindor optimistic he'll be good to go for Opening Day?

"I’m very optimistic," Lindor explained, per Alex Smith of SNY. "As a player, my goal is to be there on Opening Day. I trust the Mets staff. I know that they’ve dealt with this many times, and they’re really good. They’re probably one of the better [groups] in the game, so I feel like the goal is to be there."

Shortly after it was learned that Lindor would be going under the knife, doctors shared that a six-week recovery timeline could be "pushing it" regarding his return to the lineup. It reportedly could take Lindor "eight weeks, if not 10 or more, to return to 100 percent." 

Part of Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns dismantling the core of the club's roster this offseason involved moving on from first baseman Pete Alonso, outfielder Brandon Nimmo and utility man Jeff McNeil. It's thought that new Mets third baseman Bo Bichette or second baseman Marcus Semien could shift to Lindor's spot in the infield in the event that Lindor stays out of action through late March. 

Francisco Lindor opens up about alleged clubhouse issues during 2025 season

After the 2025 Mets endured a collapse en route to missing the playoffs, reports claimed that Lindor and outfielder Juan Soto had a "chilly" relationship during Soto's first season with the club. Additionally, it was suggested that Nimmo and Lindor didn't get along due to political differences. 

"We’ve always pulled for each other," Lindor said on Sunday. "We’ve always wanted what’s best for each other. Are we all best friends? That’s not how it works in a clubhouse, but we are friends, we’re good teammates, we care for each other, we love each other, and we want the best for each other."

Also on Sunday, Soto insisted that he and Lindor have a "great" relationship. Whether or not that will remain the case once Lindor is once again an active member of the roster shall be seen.