Francisco Lindor to Undergo Hand Surgery, Mets Remain Hopeful for Opening Day Return
**PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla.
** - While Mets pitchers and catchers officially checked in for spring training Monday, all eyes were on the team’s star shortstop. Francisco Lindor is headed for surgery to repair a stress reaction in the hamate bone of his left hand - a tough break for New York just as camp gets underway.
Manager Carlos Mendoza addressed the situation in his first media session at Clover Park, confirming that Lindor will go under the knife with the goal of returning in time for Opening Day. The timeline? Six weeks - and with the Mets set to open their 2026 season against the Pirates at Citi Field exactly six weeks and one day from surgery, the clock is officially ticking.
“Knowing Lindor, I’m not going to bet against him,” Mendoza said. “This is a guy who’s played through broken toes, a bad back - he could barely walk two years ago and still found a way to stay on the field. We’re optimistic, but we’ll have to wait and see.”
That optimism is rooted in Lindor’s reputation as a grinder - someone who plays through pain and shows up when it matters. But this injury isn’t just about pain tolerance. The hamate bone plays a key role in grip strength, and for a hitter, that can mean a temporary dip in power, even after returning to the lineup.
The Mets are already laying out a rehab path. Lindor will keep throwing and is expected to start running once stitches are removed in about 10 days. Fielding - especially with the injured hand - will be the final step before he’s cleared for full baseball activities.
“Every player is different,” Mendoza added, “but knowing the person, knowing the player and the athlete, I’m pretty comfortable saying he’s going to be ready to go. Will it take time?
We don’t know. But we’ve got ways to keep him in shape.”
One of the biggest concerns isn’t just Lindor’s health - it’s chemistry. The Mets brought in veteran second baseman Marcus Semien this offseason, and the plan was for the new middle infield duo to begin building rhythm and communication right away. That on-field connection will now have to wait.
Still, Mendoza says Lindor will be involved - even if he’s not in the lineup. The plan is for him to be present during games and engage with Semien afterward to start building that rapport.
In the meantime, the shortstop reps will be split among a handful of players: Vidal Brujan, Jackson Cluff, Grae Kessinger, and Ronny Mauricio. It’s a group with versatility, but no clear frontrunner yet.
“Those are the guys that are going to get the reps early on,” Mendoza said. “As we get more information, we’ll adjust if needed. But for now, that’s the plan.”
Notably absent from that shortstop conversation? Bo Bichette. Despite spending the last seven seasons as the Blue Jays’ everyday shortstop, Bichette is being transitioned to third base in his first year with the Mets - and that’s where he’ll stay, for now.
“As of right now, that’s not on the table,” Mendoza said of Bichette potentially sliding back to short. “He’s played the position before, so if we need to go there, it won’t be a hard transition. But right now, we’re focused on getting him comfortable at third base, and that’s where his work will be.”
So, while the Mets are officially back in camp, their biggest storyline is already unfolding off the field. Lindor’s surgery adds an early wrinkle to a season filled with expectations - but if there’s one player who’s shown he can bounce back and lead from the front, it’s No.
- The team’s hoping he’ll be ready to do just that when the lights come on at Citi Field in late March.