Francisco Lindor discusses Mets' roster changes, clubhouse culture

Mets star shortstop optimistic about playing on Opening Day after hamate surgery, believes team is better than last season

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Francisco Lindor, the star shortstop for the New York Mets, discussed a range of topics in a recent interview, including his recovery from hamate surgery, the Mets' roster changes, and the team's clubhouse culture. Lindor expressed optimism about being ready for Opening Day and believes the Mets' roster is better than last season, citing improvements in defense, baserunning, hitting, and pitching. He also addressed the team's clubhouse dynamics, saying the players care for each other and want the best for one another, despite not all being best friends.

Why it matters

Lindor's comments provide insight into the Mets' offseason moves and the team's outlook for the upcoming season. As a key player and leader, his perspective on the roster changes and clubhouse culture is important for understanding the team's dynamics and potential for success in 2026.

The details

Lindor confirmed that he underwent hamate surgery and is 'very optimistic' about playing on Opening Day. He attributed the injury to wear and tear, rather than a specific incident. Lindor also revealed that singer Bad Bunny had offered to pay for his World Baseball Classic insurance premium, but the insurance company was not approved. Lindor was disappointed about not being able to play for Puerto Rico in the WBC due to his elbow debridement procedure from the offseason. Despite the injuries, Lindor had a productive 2025 season, hitting 31 home runs and stealing 31 bases. Lindor believes the Mets' roster is better than last year, citing improvements in defense, baserunning, hitting, and pitching. He also addressed the team's clubhouse culture, saying the players care for each other and want the best for one another, even if they are not all best friends.

  • Lindor last spoke with reporters at the end of the 2025 season.
  • Lindor underwent hamate surgery recently.

The players

Francisco Lindor

The star shortstop for the New York Mets, who is recovering from hamate surgery and is optimistic about playing on Opening Day.

David Stearns

The president of baseball operations for the New York Mets, who took over the role in late 2023.

Carlos Mendoza

The manager of the New York Mets.

Bad Bunny

A Puerto Rican singer who offered to pay for Lindor's World Baseball Classic insurance premium.

Pete Alonso

A core member of the New York Mets' roster, along with Lindor, Brandon Nimmo, Edwin Díaz, and Jeff McNeil.

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What they’re saying

“We definitely didn't do what it takes to win a championship. The organizations that got the players that were here, they got really good people, really good guys that are going to help that clubhouse and help them win. I felt like whenever (president of baseball operations David Stearns and owner Steve Cohen) and the whole front office makes a decision, it's for the better of the organization.”

— Francisco Lindor, Mets Shortstop (New York Times)

“We've always pulled for each other. Are we all best friends? That's not how it works in the clubhouse. But we are friends. We are good teammates. We care for each other. We love each other. We want the best for each other. We have a lot of new faces here, and guys seem like they are going to work hard and do whatever it takes to win.”

— Francisco Lindor, Mets Shortstop (New York Times)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.