PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. – The New York Mets received a concerning update on star shortstop Francisco Lindor on Tuesday, as he’s been diagnosed with a stress reaction in his left hamate bone and is potentially facing surgery. The news comes just as spring training is beginning to ramp up, casting a shadow over the team’s preparations for the season opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Mets President of Baseball Operations David Stearns addressed the media, stating that Lindor will undergo further evaluation on to determine the best course of action. While surgery is a possibility, Stearns expressed optimism that Lindor could still be ready for Opening Day should he undergo the procedure, which typically requires a six-week recovery period.
“I think it just persisted to the point where he felt like he should say something about it,” Stearns said, explaining that Lindor had been dealing with soreness in the area “on and off for a couple of years” and had previously played through the discomfort. “And once we examined him yesterday, our medical staff determined that he should consult with a specialist.”
The hamate bone is located in the wrist and injuries to it are common among baseball players, particularly those who swing a bat frequently. Lindor, a switch hitter, relies heavily on his left hand for power and control. The potential surgery would be performed on his glove hand, adding another layer of concern.
Lindor’s 2025 season was a standout one, as he became one of only seven players in Major League Baseball to achieve a 30-30 campaign, hitting .267 with 31 home runs and 31 stolen bases. He also drove in 86 runs, solidifying his position as a key offensive contributor and a leader in the Mets’ lineup. He has six years and $194.9 million remaining on his contract.
The injury initially surfaced when Lindor reported to camp and began workouts with the team. The discomfort resurfaced, prompting him to alert the Mets’ medical staff. The team quickly moved to schedule a consultation with a specialist to assess the severity of the issue.
Adding another layer of complexity to the situation, Lindor was recently denied participation in the upcoming World Baseball Classic for Puerto Rico. Stearns clarified that the Mets had no involvement in the decision, stating that the issue stemmed from a lack of insurance approval. “We had nothing to do with it,” Stearns said. “The truth is that I don’t know why they didn’t give him authorization, they didn’t approve his insurance. The clubs have nothing to do with that. All of that is done through the MLBPA and Major League Baseball.”
In other Mets news, Stearns announced a defensive shift for star outfielder Juan Soto. The four-time All-Star will move from right field to left field this season. Soto, who signed a massive 15-year, $765 million contract with the Mets last year, struggled defensively in right field in 2025, ranking in the first percentile in both fielding run value and outs above average. The move to left field is seen as an attempt to maximize his defensive value.
“Soto’s fielding run value of minus-13 and outs above average of minus-12 ranked in the first percentile,” according to reports. The team hopes that a change of scenery will improve his defensive performance, as he has extensive experience in left field, having started 458 games there over his first eight seasons. He is also slated to play left field for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic.
Soto hit .263 with 43 home runs and 105 RBIs in his first season with the Mets, proving to be a significant offensive force. The team is banking on his continued offensive production while hoping the move to left field will address his defensive shortcomings.
The Mets’ front office is now focused on navigating Lindor’s potential surgery and recovery, while also preparing for the season with Soto in a new defensive position. The team will likely explore contingency plans at shortstop if Lindor is sidelined for an extended period, with Bo Bichette and Ronny Mauricio as potential replacements. Bichette recently moved to third base, but could shift back to shortstop if needed.
The situation with Lindor underscores the inherent risks of spring training, where players are ramping up their intensity after an offseason of rest. The Mets will be closely monitoring Lindor’s progress and providing updates as they become available. The team’s ability to overcome this early setback will be a key factor in their pursuit of a successful 2026 season.
