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 being evaluated for potential surgery. The news comes as pitchers and catchers reported to spring training, casting a shadow over the start of the team’s preparations for the season opener.
Mets President of Baseball Operations David Stearns addressed the media, stating that while surgery is a possibility, the team remains “optimistic” that Lindor will be ready for Opening Day should he undergo the procedure. The typical recovery timeline for hamate surgery is six weeks, a timeframe Stearns believes allows for a ramp-up period including participation in Grapefruit League games.
“That is inclusive of a ramp-up period where he’s in Major League spring training games,” Stearns explained. “He would be able to get into competition before the start of the season.”
This isn’t a new issue for Lindor, who has reportedly dealt with soreness in the hamate bone area “on and off for a couple of years,” playing through the discomfort until it recently resurfaced upon reporting to camp and beginning workouts. “I think it just persisted to the point where he felt like he should say something about it,” Stearns said. “And once we examined it yesterday, our medical staff determined that he should go see a specialist.”
Lindor, 32, has been a durable presence in the Mets lineup, playing in at least 152 games in each of the past four seasons. In , he earned his first All-Star selection since joining the Mets, finishing the year with a .267 batting average, 31 home runs, 81 RBIs, and 117 runs scored. His absence, even for a portion of spring training, would be a significant blow to the Mets’ infield.
The Mets have seen a recent uptick in hamate bone injuries, with Lindor joining Corbin Carroll and Jackson Holliday as players facing potential surgery for the same ailment. This raises questions about a possible trend, though Stearns did not speculate on any broader causes.
Beyond the Lindor news, the Mets also announced a positional shift for another key player: outfielder Juan Soto. The team and Soto reached a mutual decision for him to move from right field to left field this season. Soto, who arrived in New York last year, excelled at the plate in his first campaign with the Mets, setting career highs with 43 home runs and 38 stolen bases, finishing third in the National League MVP voting, and securing his sixth Silver Bat award.
Soto 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 upcoming World Baseball Classic. The move appears to be aimed at maximizing Soto’s defensive value, as his performance in right field last season was a noted area for improvement. His fielding run value of minus-13 and outs above average of minus-12 ranked in the first percentile, according to Baseball Savant.
Stearns indicated that the decision to move Soto was a collaborative one, reached after conversations in recent weeks. “Making news right out of the chute,” Stearns commented, acknowledging the flurry of activity surrounding the team as spring training begins.
The Mets are hoping that both Lindor and Soto will be key contributors to a team looking to rebound from a disappointing season. Lindor’s health will be paramount, and the team will be closely monitoring his progress as he undergoes further evaluation. The positional change for Soto is a strategic move designed to optimize the team’s defense and potentially unlock even greater offensive production from the star outfielder.
The next 24-48 hours will be crucial as Lindor meets with a hand specialist to determine the best course of action. The Mets will undoubtedly be hoping for good news, but they are preparing for all possibilities as they navigate the early stages of spring training.
