Mets Star Francisco Lindor Faces Early-Season Struggles

Former Mets shortstop Jose Reyes offers public support as Lindor looks to bounce back

Apr. 2, 2026 at 7:56pm by Ben Kaplan

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A fractured, geometric painting in muted earth tones and blues, with overlapping planes and shapes representing a baseball player in motion, their form deconstructed into abstract shapes.A cubist interpretation of a baseball player's dynamic movements captures the tension and energy of the sport, reflecting the high stakes and pressure facing Mets star Francisco Lindor.San Francisco Today

New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor is facing increased scrutiny and pressure after a slow start to the 2026 MLB season. Despite his track record of improving as the season progresses, Lindor's early struggles, including mistakes in a recent extra-inning loss to the St. Louis Cardinals, have drawn attention from fans and media. Former Mets star Jose Reyes has publicly backed Lindor, urging fans to 'relax' and have confidence in the five-time All-Star's ability to respond positively.

Why it matters

As a key offseason acquisition and one of the Mets' most important players, Lindor's early-season performance is under the microscope. The Mets are searching for consistency, especially with runners in scoring position, and Lindor's struggles have added pressure on the team's core contributors. However, Reyes' public support reflects Lindor's history of overcoming slow starts and emerging as a productive player later in the season.

The details

In the Mets' 2-1 extra-inning loss to the Cardinals on Wednesday, Lindor went 0-for-4, dropping his batting average to .143 through the first six games of the season. He also made mistakes, losing track of the outs on a routine play and getting picked off at first base. Manager Carlos Mendoza called the early mistake inexcusable but maintained confidence in the veteran shortstop.

  • The Mets fell 2–1 in extra innings to the St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday, April 2, 2026.
  • Through the first six games of the 2026 MLB season, Lindor is batting .143.

The players

Francisco Lindor

The New York Mets shortstop and five-time MLB All-Star who is facing early-season struggles and increased scrutiny.

Jose Reyes

The former New York Mets shortstop who publicly backed Lindor and urged fans to have confidence in the star's ability to bounce back.

Carlos Mendoza

The New York Mets manager who called Lindor's early mistake 'inexcusable' but maintained confidence in the veteran shortstop.

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What they’re saying

“Relax everybody… my guy Francisco Lindor gonna be good. Bad days happen — that's baseball. Could happen to anyone. He's human just like all of us. Watch how he responds… this gonna be good for him and for the organization”

— Jose Reyes

What’s next

The Mets are preparing for a three-game road series against the San Francisco Giants, who are also 2-4 to start the season, beginning on Thursday night. This presents an immediate opportunity for Lindor to respond and get back on track.

The takeaway

Lindor's early-season struggles have placed added pressure on the Mets, but the team and former star Jose Reyes have expressed confidence in the shortstop's ability to overcome this slow start and regain his productive form as the season progresses. The Mets' upcoming series against the Giants provides Lindor a chance to demonstrate his resilience and leadership.