The Lindor File
- Four All-Star selections, 2016-2019
- Two Gold Glove Awards, 2016, 2019
- One Platinum Glove Award, 2016
- Two Silver Slugger Awards, 2017, 2018
- Member of the All-MLB Second Team, 2022
- Signed a 10-year, $341 million extension with the New York Mets
Francisco Lindor's Favorite Animal
Francisco Lindor is known for the loving, exciting, joy-spreading personality that earned him the "Mr. Smile" nickname. It has solidified his spot as one of the happier members of the New York Mets, even if he'll always lag behind teammate and fellow happy-addict Brandon Nimmo.
However, in Lindor's first season with the Mets, things didn't go very well. It was the worst season of his professional career, filled with defensive miscommunications, injuries, and an uncharacteristically ugly start against National League pitching.
One of those defensive miscommunications was with double-play partner Jeff McNeil. New York used a shift (often with a man on first base, which complicates matters when it's time to turn two). One was instructed to take a few steps over, the other ignored, and the opponent came out ahead.
After the inning, McNeil and Lindor headed into the dugout and then, peculiarly, down the steps into the tunnel. A few seconds later, teammates poured in after them. While not explicitly caught on camera, it was clear McNeil and Lindor had themselves a fight only those with brothers are familiar with.
When McNeil was asked about it in the press conference after the game, Lindor made an appearance, wrapping himself around McNeil. Of course, he was eventually asked similar questions.
"We were going back and forth debating if it was a rat or a raccoon." Sure, it was a made up story, but the eventual conclusion, a "ratcoon" would live on in Mets infamy as they struggled the rest of the year.
Have no fear. Mr. Smile and McNeil are well past the rodent incident. It turns out winning heals all.