Mets' Star Shortstop Francisco Lindor Undergoes Hamate Bone Surgery
New York Mets star shortstop Francisco Lindor will undergo surgery on Wednesday to address a stress reaction in his left hamate bone, according to manager Carlos Mendoza. This hand surgery will require a six-week recovery period, but Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns expressed optimism that Lindor will be ready for the season opener on March 26th.
Lindor, 32, has been dealing with soreness for the past couple of years, but the issue became more pronounced recently after he reported to spring training. The team decided to consult a specialist, and the diagnosis confirmed the need for surgery. While Lindor is out, the Mets have several options for the shortstop position, including Vidal Brujan, Ronny Mauricio, Christian Arroyo, and Jackson Cluff. Arroyo and Cluff are non-roster invites, while Mauricio has limited experience at the position, having started two games in his two-year big league career. Christian Arroyo has more experience, having started 19 games at shortstop in his seven-year major league career.
Another potential candidate is Bo Bichette, who signed a substantial three-year, $126 million contract with the Mets this offseason with the intention of transitioning from shortstop to third base. The Mets are cautiously optimistic about Lindor's recovery, and Stearns indicated that they will reassess the situation closer to Opening Day if necessary. Lindor, who has six years and $194.9 million remaining on his contract, had a productive 2025 season, hitting .267 with 31 home runs and 31 stolen bases, becoming one of seven MLB players to achieve a 30-30 season. He also drove in 86 runs, showcasing his versatility and impact on the team.
