How Francisco Lindor's perplexing play has Mets searching for answers
The Mets are used to crisp defense and tone-setting offense from Francisco Lindor. Early in 2026, Lindor is falling short in both areas.
NEW YORK — Francisco Lindor is as baffled as everyone else. The shortstop is supposed to serve as the Mets' spark plug, igniting the Mets' offense out of the leadoff spot. On the diamond, he is supposed to provide Gold Glove caliber defense and a sense of calm.
Right now, Lindor is offering neither of those and the Mets are suffering in the process. Saturday afternoon was the latest example in the midst of a momentum-diffusing inning for the Mets. After the Mets took an early 1-0 lead, snapping a 17-inning scoreless drought in the process, Kodai Senga was teetering, walking in the tying run with the bases loaded.
The veteran right-hander induced a chopper from Lawrence Butler to the right of second base, but Lindor backed up Marcus Semien rather than covering the base and it cost Senga a potential inning-ending double play as the go-ahead run scored. "He’s one of the best second baseman in the game, and I should have expected he was going to be there," Lindor said. "I went after the baseball and no, there was no miscommunication at all.
" Lindor's miscalculation was the latest in a collection of sloppy mistakes for Senga and the Mets, who bungled through an unkempt opening three innings defensively, leading to seven Athletics runs and ultimately an 11-6 loss in front of 38,244 restless fans at Citi Field. The contest opened with an error by rookie Carson Benge, who misplayed a bouncing ball in left field, allowing Lawrence Butler to scamper to second base. Senga managed to work through that mishap.