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Jorge Castillo
Multiple Authors
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Star shortstop Francisco Lindor is set to undergo evaluation for a stress reaction in his left hamate bone on Wednesday, and surgery may be required, according to New York Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns.
If surgery is necessary, the recovery period would be approximately six weeks. but, Stearns expressed optimism that Lindor would be fit for Opening Day on March 26 if he proceeds with the surgery.
Stearns mentioned that Lindor has experienced soreness in the hamate area “on and off for a couple of years,” managing to play through it. The pain returned recently when Lindor reported to camp and started workouts with the team.
“It just persisted to the point where he thought it was necessary to mention it,” Stearns said. “After an examination yesterday, our medical staff decided he should consult a specialist.”
On the same day, Stearns announced a significant change regarding another franchise cornerstone, stating that Juan Soto will shift from right field to left field this season.
Soto, 27, made 160 starts in his first season with the Mets last year—157 in right field and three as the designated hitter—hitting .263 with 43 home runs and 105 RBIs. He also has considerable experience in left field, with 458 starts there in his first eight seasons. He is anticipated to play left field for the Dominican Republic in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.
Stearns noted potential right field options include veteran Tyrone Taylor, Carson Benge—who is regarded as the organization’s top position prospect—and MJ Melendez, who recently agreed to terms with the team.
“It’s all about where he’s comfortable,” Stearns said of Soto’s transition. “He has done it before and feels good in that position. We’ve discussed it extensively. We have several athletic outfielders—both at the major league level and just below it—so having right field available is actually beneficial.”
The Mets’ shortstop depth is less robust. They traded Luisangel Acuna, their primary backup last season, to the Chicago White Sox in a deal for center fielder Luis Robert Jr. last month. Stearns identified Vidal Brujan, Ronny Mauricio, Christian Arroyo, and Jackson Cluff as candidates to fill the shortstop role during spring training if Lindor requires surgery.
Both Arroyo and Cluff are nonroster invites to spring training, while Mauricio has made two starts at shortstop in his two-year big league career. Arroyo has made 19 starts at shortstop throughout his seven years in the major leagues.
Another option could be Bo Bichette, who signed a three-year, $126 million contract with the Mets this offseason and is expected to transition from shortstop to third base.
“If we approach Opening Day and have uncertainties regarding Francisco, then we will address that at the time,” Stearns remarked. “For now, we’re optimistic that no matter what Francisco needs, he will be ready for Opening Day.”
Lindor, who has six years and $194.9 million remaining on his contract, is coming off a season where he batted .267 with 31 home runs and 31 stolen bases, making him one of seven MLB players to achieve a 30-30 season in 2025. He also helped drive in 86 runs.
Stearns clarified that Lindor’s hamate injury did not influence his lack of insurance approval to play for Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic.
Lindor, 32, underwent right elbow debridement surgery in late October, but had been expected to participate fully in spring training until the hamate issue flared up again. The Puerto Rico Baseball Federation and Lindor, who was named captain of the team, were taken aback to find out he was denied insurance coverage for the WBC late last month.
“We had no involvement in that,” Stearns explained. “I honestly don’t know why he wasn’t granted clearance; he wasn’t approved for insurance. Teams are not part of that decision; it’s handled through the MLBPA and Major League Baseball.”
For Soto, the timing of his move to left field coincides with his preparation to play in that position for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic.
The Mets are slated to commence their season on March 26 against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
