Update reveals how return of Francisco Lindor will impact Mets' trade-deadline plans

Earlier in June, New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza warned that his club could not count on star shortstop Francisco Lindor saving the team's season whenever Lindor returns from the calf injury that has kept him out of action since he suffered the initial setback on April 22. 

The Mets are expected to get Lindor back on or around June 20. For a piece published on Tuesday morning, MLB insider Chelsea Janes of SNY shared a harsh reality regarding how Lindor's return could impact what his team does and/or doesn't do before the Aug. 3 trade deadline arrives. 

Francisco Lindor's return will unofficially start the trade-deadline clock for the Mets

"They have six weeks until the trade deadline, when (team president) David Stearns and/or (owner) Steve Cohen will have to decide whether this team is worth adding to or at least, not subtracting from," Janes said about the Mets. "Lindor’s return should give them a better sense."

Lindor needed a procedure in February for a stress reaction to his left hamate bone, and he wasn't ripping the covers off baseballs with his swings before he went down with the calf injury. Over 24 games, he was responsible for a .226/.314/.355 slash line with just two home runs and five RBI.

Meanwhile, the Mets suffered a disheartening 12-0 loss at the Cincinnati Reds (34-37) on Monday night to fall to 32-40 on the season. Such a record could indicate that it's wishful thinking for anybody to assume that Lindor is going to spark the 2026 Mets to complete a magical run to the playoffs. 

Francisco Lindor is now the cavalry for the 2026 Mets

"Lindor’s return effectively signifies the arrival of the long-awaited cavalry, such as it is," Janes added. "...Maybe Clay Holmes will be back from his broken leg sometime in late August, but by then the Mets’ fate might be sealed. So Lindor’s return is their best hope. It is possible they have never needed him more." 

Starting pitcher Freddy Peralta is among the Mets players who could be traded to advertised contenders later this summer. For better or for worse, it seems that Lindor will now be the key figure who helps determine whether or not Stearns embraces a fire-sale mentality before Aug. 3.