Francisco Lindor has spent the last five years of his career with the New York Mets, and he has thrived in Queens.
The 32-year-old shortstop has provided elite defense up the middle while posting a .267 batting average, a .346 on-base percentage, an .811 OPS, 31 home runs and 86 RBIs across 160 games. Yet the landscape around him will look different in 2026.
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Many of Lindor’s longtime teammates who were with the club when he arrived from the Cleveland Indians in 2021 have departed in free agency.
Most notably, first basemanPete Alonso signed a five-year, $155 million deal with the Baltimore Orioles, while closer Edwin Diaz inked a three-year, $69 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (12)© Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
As the news became official that both of his longtime teammates had moved on, Lindor took to social media to share heartfelt messages. He reposted the Mets’ graphic thanking Alonso with the caption, “Much love,” a simple but genuine nod to their years together in New York.
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For Diaz, who shares Puerto Rican roots with Lindor, he wrote, “Te quiero mi hermano,” a message that translates to “I love you, my brother.” The phrase carried a deeper meaning, reflecting not only their shared heritage but also the bond they built as teammates through the highs and lows of recent seasons.
Lindor’s words underscored the respect and affection he holds for both Alonso and Díaz, even as their careers take them in different directions. For Mets fans, it was a reminder of the camaraderie that defined this era of the team.
@lindor12bc on Instagram
@lindor12bc on Instagram
For the Mets, the departures of Alonso and Diaz create troubling questions about the roster’s strength heading into 2026. The front office moved quickly to sign Jorge Polanco to a two-year, $40 million deal, but asking him to replace Alonso at first base is a gamble given that Polanco has never played the position before.
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The front office also added reliever Devin Williams earlier in the offseason on a three-year, $51 million contract, yet even with his talent, he represents a downgrade from Díaz’s dominance in the ninth inning.
These moves, combined with the team’s collapse in the second half of last season, have fueled concerns that the Mets are operating with limited payroll flexibility and settling for short-term fixes.
In this environment, Lindor’s continued excellence becomes even more critical. A five-time All-Star, two-time Gold Glove winner, four-time Silver Slugger and Platinum Glove recipient, he must remain the steady force driving the Mets forward.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 13, 2025, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.