New York Mets: Francisco Lindor helping without being an All-Star (Video)

NEW YORK, NY - JULY 7: Francisco Lindor #12 of the New York Mets at bat in the seventh inning against the Milwaukee Brewers during game one of a doubleheader at Citi Field on July 7, 2021 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. The Mets won 4-3. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - JULY 7: Francisco Lindor #12 of the New York Mets at bat in the seventh inning against the Milwaukee Brewers during game one of a doubleheader at Citi Field on July 7, 2021 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. The Mets won 4-3. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images)

Francisco Lindor joined the New York Mets with high expectations and in his first year, he is not heading to the All-Star Game.

That may not matter to Mets fans as long as he continues to slowly but surely pick up his play and help the team reach the postseason. Because ultimately, All-Star honors are meaningless if the goal is a championship.

Lindor made sure to show off his value early in Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Lindor gets Mets on the board early

This is exactly what Mets fans want to see on a more regular basis. Lindor just stepping up to the plate and launching a ball over the fence for an early lead. He now has 11 home runs on the year.

Lindor not being in the All-Star Game is still a bit odd considering he went every year from 2016-2019. He likely would have gone in 2020 as well if not for the shortened season. But the spotlight is on him now and while he was a finalist in the voting, the numbers were just not there to warrant a spot.

This is a player who Mets fans are hoping can hit around 30-35 home runs per year. 11 right before the break is not ideal, but once again if he can get it going this summer no one will care about his slow start.

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Most importantly, the Mets are heading into the break with a lead in the division. That is more than fans have been able to say for quite some time now.