Francisco Lindor’s Recent Struggles
Francisco Lindor has been experiencing a rough patch in his career. On Tuesday, he extended his hitless streak to 26 plate appearances, and even his walks weren’t much of a distraction from that statistic. This slump isn’t a new development; his recent performance shows a concerning OPS of just .524 over his last 22 games. This statistic places him among the bottom eight qualified hitters in the majors during that time, according to Fangraphs.
If that isn’t enough, fellow shortstop Anthony Volpe also recorded a slightly higher OPS of .526 during this same stretch. Yet, despite his struggles, few are calling for Lindor to be benched or sent down. His established track record over the past 11 years gives him a level of trust that many players don’t have.
Conversely, Volpe’s difficulties have become glaringly apparent, more so given the Yankees’ underwhelming performance lately. Unlike Lindor, Volpe lacks a solid track record to help mitigate the repercussions of his current form.
In a recent game against the Blue Jays, Volpe found himself batting ninth, showcasing a drop in confidence from the coaching staff. Lindor, reflecting on the pressures of being a young player in New York, empathized with Volpe’s plight. He recalled how he navigated similar challenges while playing in Cleveland, although he believes the smaller market allowed for somewhat less scrutiny.
“It has to be tough,” Lindor acknowledged, referring to the pressure surrounding Volpe’s performance. “Growing in this market is no easy task; all eyes are on you.” He also pointed out that Volpe has access to a support system of experienced teammates, so he didn’t feel the need to offer direct advice, even though he recognized their struggles might be relatable.
As he put it, “Every year, there are ups and downs. It doesn’t matter who you are—you’re never as good or as bad as you think. You have to keep your head level and keep focused.” Lindor expressed confidence that Volpe will eventually find his footing.
“He’s a talented player,” he said, underscoring Volpe’s capabilities. “Defensively, he’s solid. Sometimes, if your hitting isn’t there, you need to lean on your defensive skills.” Lindor himself is managing to maintain his defensive excellence, even while dealing with his offensive struggles.
However, the Mets will need Lindor to regain his offensive rhythm if they hope to improve their inconsistent play. Currently, his OPS sits at .599, a number that reflects his challenges—partially stemming from a broken pinky toe sustained on June 4.
Lindor insists injuries won’t be an excuse for him. When asked about his mindset at the plate, he responded, “I’m just working through it. I know it’s been tough, but I have to keep grinding.” His manager, Mendoza, echoed this sentiment, highlighting that Lindor’s aggressive offensive approach is both a strength and a potential source of volatility.
“He’s meant to be out there swinging,” Mendoza noted. “That’s what defines him. He’s on a path to the Hall of Fame, and getting past a rough patch means staying aggressive. He’s a good player, and he’ll find a way through it.”
