Major League Baseball fans eagerly anticipate the annual Midsummer Classic, a showcase of the sport’s top talent. This year, New York Mets shortstop Francisco lindor has earned a coveted spot, not just on the National League roster, but as a fan-voted starter. The announcement carries significant weight, marking the end of a notable drought for both Lindor himself and the Mets franchise at the crucial shortstop position. This selection highlights lindor’s standing among MLB’s elite despite recent performance fluctuations, cementing his place as a central figure for New York.
A Drought Ends: Lindor’s Historic Selection
Francisco Lindor’s naming as a starting shortstop for the National League all-star team is more than just another accolade; it represents the culmination of anticipation and the end of a unique statistical anomaly in his career with the Mets. Despite being a four-time All-Star during his tenure with Cleveland and earning multiple Silver Slugger and Gold Glove awards, Lindor had surprisingly never been selected to the prestigious event while playing in Queens. This fact felt counter-intuitive to many, given his consistent overall performance and status as a marquee player in a major market. Lindor himself previously commented that he didn’t feel he had put together an “All-Star-type first half” in prior years with the club, suggesting his own high standards contributed to the perceived drought.
Adding to the significance, Lindor’s selection marks the first time a Mets shortstop has started the Midsummer Classic since Jose Reyes in 2007. Reyes was also voted in as a starter in 2011 but was unable to participate due to injury. Lindor’s accomplishment breaks this nearly two-decade span, placing him in select Mets history alongside Reyes. This will be Lindor’s fifth career All-Star appearance overall, but his inaugural start in the game, adding another milestone to his impressive resume.
The Fan Vote and Top Contenders
The journey to an All-Star start is heavily influenced by fan balloting, and Lindor’s selection underscores his popularity and connection with the fanbase. While his place was secured by voters, debate exists among observers regarding other deserving candidates. Notably, Elly De La Cruz of the Cincinnati Reds was a player many felt warranted consideration for the starting shortstop role based on his performance. However, De La Cruz was not among the finalists. The other finalist for the NL shortstop position alongside Lindor was Mookie Betts of the Los Angeles Dodgers, highlighting the high caliber of players Lindor surpassed in the voting.
Lindor stood as the sole Mets player elected as a starter by the fans this year. While he carries the mantle as the lone fan-voted representative, other Mets players are strongly positioned to join him on the NL roster as reserves. First baseman Pete Alonso finished second in the voting at his position, trailing only Freddie Freeman of the Dodgers. Outfielder Juan Soto also ranked high among outfielders, finishing fifth. Both Alonso and Soto are widely anticipated to be selected as reserves, likely joined by closer Edwin Díaz, who has been a dominant force in the bullpen. Lindor expressed immense pride in representing the Mets in Atlanta, acknowledging the support from fans, teammates, and staff.
Navigating Slumps and Sparking Performance
Lindor’s All-Star selection arrived during a challenging period for both the player and the team. In the weeks leading up to the announcement, Lindor was in the throes of a significant offensive slump, managing just eight hits in 60 at-bats since June 15. This personal struggle coincided with a difficult stretch for the Mets, who had lost 14 of their previous 17 games entering the nightcap of a recent doubleheader. Overall, Lindor’s season numbers (.255 batting average, .324 on-base percentage, .442 slugging percentage, .766 OPS) paint a picture of respectable, though perhaps not career-best, production, including 15 home runs, 43 RBI, and 13 stolen bases in 15 attempts. However, his performance had demonstrably dipped in the immediate weeks preceding the selection.
In an effort to ignite both Lindor and the team’s struggling offense, manager Carlos Mendoza made a strategic adjustment on the night of the All-Star announcement. For the first time all season, Lindor was moved out of the leadoff spot, dropping to second in the batting order. The change aimed to separate left-handed hitters Brandon Nimmo (who moved to leadoff) and Juan Soto, but it also appeared to have an immediate positive effect on Lindor.
Following the announcement and the lineup change, Lindor delivered a standout performance in the second game of the doubleheader against the Brewers. Breaking out of his prolonged slump, he recorded three hits, including a solo home run and an RBI double, driving in three runs in the Mets’ 7-3 victory. This win was particularly meaningful given the team’s recent struggles, coming against a quality opponent. Lindor downplayed attributing the sudden offensive surge directly to either the All-Star news or the lineup change, stating simply that he “actually got the barrel to the baseball” in the second game.
A Dedicated Pro’s Journey to Queens
Francisco Lindor’s path to becoming the Mets’ starting All-Star shortstop began with a significant trade that reshaped both franchises involved. On January 7, 2021, Cleveland, citing financial constraints and Lindor’s impending free agency, traded the four-time All-Star shortstop and veteran pitcher Carlos Carrasco to the New York Mets. In return, Cleveland received infielders Andres Gimenez and Amed Rosario, along with prospects Josh Wolf and Isaiah Greene.
For Cleveland, the move was a difficult but necessary financial decision, allowing them to reduce payroll and acquire assets for the future rather than potentially losing Lindor for nothing after the 2021 season. Lindor, a beloved face of Cleveland’s franchise, had reportedly declined multiple long-term contract offers, betting on free agency to secure a larger deal.
The Mets, under new owner Steve Cohen, saw the acquisition as a pivotal step in ushering in a new era of increased spending and competitiveness, aiming to bring the franchise back to prominence. Mets leadership acknowledged the high cost but emphasized acquiring Lindor for his immediate impact as an elite all-around talent known for his hitting, Gold Glove defense, and speed. Over his six seasons with Cleveland, where he was drafted and developed, Lindor established himself as a premier player, averaging strong numbers across the board. The trade set the stage for the Mets to eventually sign Lindor to a massive long-term contract extension, securing his presence in Queens for years to come and culminating in this historic All-Star starting nod. Even during recent struggles, Lindor’s dedication is evident; reports noted he provided a late-night batting lesson to teammate Tyrone Taylor, showcasing his commitment to helping others improve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is this selection particularly significant for Francisco Lindor and the Mets?
Francisco Lindor’s selection as the National League starting shortstop is significant for several reasons. It marks his first All-Star selection while playing for the New York Mets, ending a personal drought despite his overall success with the team. Furthermore, it ends a nearly two-decade drought for the Mets franchise, as Lindor is the first Mets shortstop to start the All-Star Game since Jose Reyes in 2007. It validates his continued status as one of the game’s top shortstops, especially meaningful as it came via fan vote.
Who were the other top candidates for the NL shortstop All-Star start?
In the National League, the fan voting for the starting shortstop position primarily came down to Francisco Lindor of the Mets and Mookie Betts of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who were the two finalists. While some observers argued that Elly De La Cruz of the Cincinnati Reds also merited consideration based on his performance, he was not among the players selected as finalists in the fan balloting process. Lindor ultimately received the most votes among the finalists to earn the starting spot.
How has Francisco Lindor performed recently, and how did his performance change after the All-Star announcement?
Leading up to the All-Star selection announcement, Francisco Lindor had been experiencing a significant slump, managing only 8 hits in his previous 60 at-bats. This coincided with a tough period for the Mets as a team. However, immediately following the announcement and a change in the batting order (moving him from leadoff to second), Lindor had a remarkable breakout performance in the second game of a doubleheader. He recorded three hits, including a home run and an RBI double, and drove in three runs, contributing significantly to a Mets victory and showing signs of emerging from his slump.
Looking Ahead to Atlanta
Francisco Lindor heading to Atlanta as a National League All-Star starter is a moment to be celebrated by Mets fans and the player alike. It recognizes his talent, resilience, and status as a premier player. While his season has had its ups and downs, this fan-voted honor underscores his importance to the game and the Mets franchise. As he prepares to represent New York on the national stage, the hope is that this selection provides a sustained spark for his performance throughout the remainder of the season.
References
- nypost.com
- <a href="https://nypost.com/2025/07/02/sports/mets-francisco-lindor-named-all-star-starter-to-end-long-drought/?utmcampaign=nypost&utmmedium=referral”>nypost.com
- metsmerizedonline.com
- nypost.com
- www.cbc.ca
