MLB Trade Deadline Approaches: Mets Shortstop Lindor Focused on Team

The trade deadline for Major League Baseball is set for 6 PM EST on Thursday. The New York Mets are currently competing closely with the Philadelphia Phillies for the National League East title.

Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor, however, isn’t letting the potential trades impact his mindset. “I don’t really think about adding or losing players because that’s not my role. My role is to play shortstop, and that’s what I focus on,” he said.

Right now, the Mets (62-47) lead the Phillies (61-47) by just half a game.

In preparation for the deadline, the Mets have already made some strategic moves to strengthen their bullpen. They acquired two-time All-Star Gregory Soto from the Baltimore Orioles, added Tyler Rogers from the San Francisco Giants, and brought in Ryan Helsley from the St. Louis Cardinals.

Soto has a 3.79 ERA with 46 strikeouts over 38 innings this season. Rogers has been particularly effective for the Giants, boasting a 1.80 ERA in 50 innings, while Helsley has completed 21 saves with a 3.00 ERA for the Cardinals.

The Phillies also made headlines by acquiring Joan Duran from the Minnesota Twins to enhance their bullpen. Duran currently holds a solid 2.01 ERA and has made 16 saves in 49.1 innings pitched.

There are whispers about the Mets possibly looking for a center fielder, but Lindor emphasizes that his priority is for the team to improve and find their best form. “We just want to be ourselves, continue playing the game the right way, and support one another,” he noted.

Lindor, at 31 years old, continues to put up impressive numbers this season, with a batting average of .246, 20 home runs, 59 RBIs, and 17 stolen bases. He has also earned a spot on the National League All-Star team, joining fellow Mets players Pete Alonso, Edwin Diaz, and David Peterson.