The New York Mets are currently evaluating shortstop Francisco Lindor for a potential hamate bone injury, as confirmed by president of baseball operations, David Stearns. If surgery is required, Lindor could face a six-week recovery period, which would raise concerns about his availability for the start of the season. Stearns expressed optimism that even in the event of surgery, Lindor would be ready to play when the Mets open their season against the Pittsburgh Pirates on March 26.
Earlier this offseason, the five-time All-Star Lindor had a debridement procedure on his right elbow. Complications with insurance regarding this injury prevented him from participating as captain of Team Puerto Rico in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Stearns’ comments mark the first public acknowledgment of the current hamate issue Lindor is experiencing, and further examinations will determine the next steps for his treatment.
Lindor, now 32 years old, missed a month in the middle of his first season with the Mets in 2021 due to an oblique strain but has been otherwise healthy since then. He has played in at least 152 games in each of the last four seasons, accumulating over 680 plate appearances annually, including a league-high 732 last year. Notably, he has not been placed on the injured list since his oblique injury in 2021.
Should surgery be necessary, the timeline may be tight for Lindor to be ready for Opening Day, especially considering the potential impact that hamate bone issues can have on a player’s power. Lindor has consistently been a powerful hitter, having hit 30 home runs for the past three seasons.
In the event that Lindor needs to miss games, the Mets have several internal options to fill his position. Free agent addition Bo Bichette, initially signed for the third base role, might shift back to shortstop given his experience there. Additionally, Ronny Mauricio has spent a significant portion of his minor league career at shortstop, despite mostly playing third base in the majors. Another option from the 40-man roster is Vidal Bruján, who also brings recent shortstop experience.
The potential loss of Lindor’s bat would be a notable blow to a Mets offense that is set to undergo significant changes in 2026. Key players, including Brandon Nimmo and Pete Alonso, have left the team alongside midseason acquisition Cedric Mullins. Meanwhile, new talents such as Marcus Semien, Jorge Polanco, and Luis Robert Jr. will be joining the mix, along with Bichette.
This situation highlights the resilience and adaptability of the Mets as they navigate the challenges that may arise during the season. The hope remains that Lindor can quickly recover and continue to be an integral part of the team’s offense.