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Port St. Lucie Today
By the People, for the People
Lindor 'Very Optimistic' About Mets Opening Day After Hand Surgery
All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor faces 6-week recovery but aims to be ready for season opener.
Published on Feb. 16, 2026
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Francisco Lindor, the Mets' All-Star shortstop, is optimistic about returning in time for Opening Day after undergoing surgery on a broken hamate bone in his left hand. Lindor, who had dealt with discomfort in the hand 'over the years,' is facing a six-week recovery but is determined to be ready for the start of the season. He showed up to the Mets' spring training a day early to get to know the team's many new faces, including offseason acquisitions like Freddy Peralta, Devin Williams, Bo Bichette, and Luis Robert Jr.
Why it matters
Lindor's return is crucial for the Mets, who are looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season that saw them miss the playoffs. The team underwent a significant offseason overhaul, and Lindor's presence and leadership will be vital as the new-look Mets try to get off to a strong start.
The details
Lindor underwent surgery on his left hand on Wednesday and is facing a six-week recovery timeline. He said he had dealt with discomfort in the hand 'over the years' and that the issue flared up after a full workout on February 6th. Lindor was previously scratched from the World Baseball Classic due to an insurance issue related to an offseason elbow surgery.
- Lindor underwent hand surgery on Wednesday, February 15, 2026.
- Lindor is facing a six-week recovery timeline from the surgery.
The players
Francisco Lindor
The Mets' All-Star shortstop who is recovering from hand surgery and is optimistic about being ready for Opening Day.
David Stearns
The Mets' president of baseball operations who led the team's significant offseason overhaul.
Bad Bunny
The Puerto Rican rapper who offered to purchase an insurance policy for Lindor to allow him to play in the World Baseball Classic, but the offer was rejected.
What they’re saying
“I'm very optimistic. My goal is to be there. I trust the Mets staff and feel like they have dealt with it many times and they are really good.”
— Francisco Lindor (nypost.com)
“We appreciate how much [Bad Bunny] cares for Puerto Rico. He wanted Puerto Rico to be as strong as it can be, but it didn't work out.”
— Francisco Lindor (nypost.com)
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
Lindor's optimism about returning for Opening Day despite his recent hand surgery underscores his importance to the Mets and their hopes for a bounce-back season. The team's significant offseason roster overhaul means Lindor's leadership and presence will be crucial as the new-look Mets try to get off to a strong start.
