While Francisco Lindor is considered an unofficial captain of the Mets, he was named the captain of a different team.
The Mets shortstop posted that he was named the captain of Team Puerto Rico for the upcoming 2026 World Baseball Classic.
“Honored to be captain of Team Puerto Rico for the 2026 World Baseball Classic,” Lindor wrote. “Vamos mi borinquen!”
Lindor was also captain for Team Puerto Rico during the team’s 2023 campaign. Team Puerto Rico fell to Mexico in the second round of the knockout rounds.
In five games, Lindor went 9-for-20 with a triple and five RBI. He also walked once and stole one base while striking out five times.
Of course, this news may not be what Mets fans want, especially after Edwin Diaz suffered an injury celebrating a win with Team Puerto Rico during the WBC that cost the closer the entire season.
“I understand how Mets fans are hurting,” Lindor said at the time. “But while for so many people the regular season is what counts, playing in the WBC means just as much to all of us. It is the dream of every Puerto Rican ballplayer to wear Puerto Rico’s colors and to represent our country. And not only Puerto Ricans, but every player in the WBC considers being here the ultimate honor. We don’t want injuries to happen, but it is part of the game. Of course, this is sad for all Mets fans. And I want to thank them for being so concerned about us, and about Edwin, and I really do also feel your pain.”
Despite the risks of playing, Lindor — like many others who participate in the WBC — has expressed his love and passion for playing in the national tournament.
“It’s Game 7 every day. I love that. I love whenever I get to wear Puerto Rico across my chest,” Lindor said. “Just give everything I got day in and day out. And I kind of like set the bar for that year. Now the teams are getting stacked, it’s sick. I’m pumped for it.”
Lindor joins Aaron Judge (Team USA) as the two captains named for the upcoming World Baseball Classic.
Read the full article here