New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor returned just in time for Opening Day. For weeks, it was unclear whether he would be ready after undergoing surgery to repair a broken hamate bone, but he suited up Thursday against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Lindor did not record a hit in the Mets 11‑7 win, yet he still reached base three times via walks and scored all three times. He remains one of the most important players on a completely revamped Mets roster.
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Last season, the 32‑year‑old posted a .267 batting average, .346 on‑base percentage and .811 OPS with 31 home runs and 86 RBIs. He also stole 31 bases, played elite defense and finished top 10 in National League MVP voting for the fourth straight year.
New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) © Brett Davis-Imagn Images
(© Brett Davis-Imagn Images)
With the Mets off to a strong start and preparing for Game two of the season on Saturday, Lindor used Friday’s off day to make an announcement. He revealed that his partnership with Franklin Sports, a sporting goods brand known for its baseball equipment and apparel, had been extended.
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The two sides have been connected since 2017, the year Lindor truly broke out as a star, and they have collaborated on multiple signature products, including batting gloves.
The joint post read, “The story continues. Since 2017, it’s been one chapter at a time with @lindor12bc and Franklin. Milestones keep building. Still making history at the plate.”
While Lindor continues to expand his presence off the field, his focus remains on helping the Mets chase a championship. He arrived in Queens via trade with the Cleveland Guardians ahead of the 2021 season and signed a massive extension shortly after. Lindor still has six years remaining on his 10‑year, $341 million contract, ensuring he will be a central figure for the franchise well into the future.
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his resume already includes five All‑Star selections, four Silver Sluggers, two Gold Gloves and one Platinum Glove, but the one accomplishment he still needs is a World Series ring. With a deeper, more balanced roster around him, Lindor believes this Mets team finally has the talent to make that goal a reality.
Related: Mets Add 12-Year Veteran in MLB Free Agency
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 27, 2026, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.