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New York Mets: Francisco Lindor may be ready to break out of slump

By David Hill

May 7, 2021; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) reacts as he rounds the bases after hitting a two run home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the seventh inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
May 7, 2021; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) reacts as he rounds the bases after hitting a two run home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the seventh inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Francisco Lindor has not had the start to his time with the New York Mets that anyone would have hoped for. He has been mired in a miserable slump since the start of the season, looking for anything to break out. Meanwhile, Mets’ fans have started to become impatient, booing Lindor when he makes an out at the plate.

Those boos turned into cheers on Friday night. In the bottom of the seventh, Lindor finally hit his first homer at Citi Field, a two run blast to left to tie the game.

New York Mets hope this is the moment Francisco Lindor needed

Lindor was considered to be the prized acquisition of the Mets’ offseason. A true five tool talent at short, he changed the dynamic of the lineup while providing a Gold Glove caliber defender in the field. He also sent a message to the roster and the fanbase – ownership was serious about contending, and contending now.

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It is possible that Lindor has taken a while to adjust to the pressure. His start to the 2021 season was disappointing to say the least, as he produced a .163/.297/.207 batting line in 112 plate appearances entering Friday. He had just two extra base hits – a double and a home run – and was caught in his only stolen base attempt.

Even that moment was somewhat controversial. He and Jeff McNeil had crossed each other up on a grounder in the top of the seventh, leading to speculation that the pair got into a fight in the tunnel in the middle of the inning. While both claim that they saw a creature in the tunnel and were debating if it was a rat or a raccoon, the reaction of their teammates indicate that something else occurred.

But maybe that fight was what Lindor needed. He crushed that home run afterwards, and ended the night was a 2-5 performance, scoring two runs and driving in two. Maybe, just maybe, he is ready to heat up and be the player the Mets need him to be.

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Francisco Lindor crushed his first homer at Citi Field on Friday. If a scuffle in the tunnel got his bat to heat up, the New York Mets will gladly take it.

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