Before the Mets received MVP-level production from Francisco Lindor for the vast majority of last season, the superstar shortstop endured an April slump that sparked the ire of fans for weeks.
Of course, it’s still far too early to declare history repeating itself. But the opening series of the 2025 campaign certainly mirrored more of the worst from Lindor than the best.
A lineup built for serious damage has yet to check in, as the Mets were held to a single hit in their 2-1 road loss to the Houston Astros on Saturday night. Since the third inning of Friday’s game, they’ve produced only two knocks, and at the center of the skid is Lindor, who went a hitless 0-for-11 in the series.
The heart of the Mets’ order offered very little at Daikin Park. Aside from Juan Soto, who produced the lone hit on Saturday and reached base seven times in three games, other key contributors — Pete Alonson, Brandon Nimmo, and Mark Vientos in particular — combined for a measly 4-for-31 (.129).
It’s no secret that Lindor, chock-full of energy and flare, has long been the tone-setter atop the Mets’ lineup. Luckily, the sample size is tiny. There’s no need to press the panic button or even lift up the security cover. If it provides some comfort, Lindor isn’t worried about the skid either.
“I’ve got to do a way better job to be on base and to make things happen,” Lindor said after the loss. “I think once I do that, then the offense is going to continue to get better. I feel like the guys had quality at-bats the entire weekend.”
Before the game, manager Carlos Mendoza revealed that Lindor’s wife is expecting their third child in the next week or two. The team has yet to learn how much time — if any — the 31-year-old veteran will miss.
Following the loss, Lindor was asked if it’s been “tough” to play with the family news on his mind. He smiled and jokingly dismissed the notion.
“It’s life, I’m sure I’m not the only one going through it. There’s no excuses,” Lindor said. “There was no baby last year and I was in the same spot. This is not my kid’s fault. This is not my wife’s fault. I own up to it. I didn’t get any hits.”
The Mets’ offense will look to wake up on Monday in South Florida, when they begin a three-game set against the division-rival Miami Marlins. The trip back east could bode well for Lindor — he’s slashed .289/.387/.471 with five home runs, seven doubles, and 17 RBI in 31 career games at Marlins Park.
“I’ve got to do a way better job to be on base and to make things happen. I think once I do that, then the offense is going to continue to get better”
Francisco Lindor talks about his slow start at the plate: pic.twitter.com/UWhQezcGek
— SNY (@SNYtv) March 30, 2025
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