Lindor Respects Mets Owner's Decision on Captaincy

All-Star shortstop says he'll 'focus on baseball' despite no team captain under Steve Cohen's ownership.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Francisco Lindor, the New York Mets' longest-tenured player, says he respects owner Steve Cohen's declaration that there will never be a team captain as long as he owns the team. Lindor, a five-time All-Star, told MLB.com that he understands and is 'on board' with Cohen's preference to let the clubhouse 'figure it out' each year rather than designating a captain.

Why it matters

The Mets have had only four captains in franchise history, and the decision to do away with the role is part of Cohen's vision for the team's clubhouse culture. Lindor is considered one of the team's leaders, so his reaction to the news is notable as the Mets look to bounce back from a disappointing 2022 season.

The details

Lindor, who is rehabbing from hand surgery, said he'll 'focus on baseball' rather than worry about the captaincy. The 32-year-old shortstop is signed through 2031 and is going into his sixth season with the Mets. New York is entering its third year under manager Carlos Mendoza after allowing several key players to depart in free agency.

  • Lindor's comments came in a story published on February 20, 2026.
  • Lindor had surgery on February 11, 2026 to repair a broken hamate bone in his left hand.

The players

Francisco Lindor

A five-time MLB All-Star shortstop who is the longest-tenured player on the New York Mets roster.

Steve Cohen

The owner of the New York Mets who has declared there will never be a team captain under his ownership.

Carlos Mendoza

The current manager of the New York Mets, who is entering his third season with the team.

Pete Alonso

A slugger who left the Mets as a free agent this offseason.

Edwin Díaz

The Mets' star closer who departed as a free agent this offseason.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I respect it. This is definitely a Steve, front-office type decision. At the end of the day, being named captain or not, I'm still going to act the same.”

— Francisco Lindor, New York Mets Shortstop (MLB.com)

“Just my own views on how I want a locker room to be. My view is every year the team's different and let the team kind of figure it out in the locker room rather than having a designation. Having a captain in baseball doesn't happen often. It's actually unusual.”

— Steve Cohen, New York Mets Owner (MLB.com)

What’s next

Lindor is rehabbing from hand surgery and his status for the start of the 2026 season is uncertain.

The takeaway

Lindor's acceptance of the Mets' decision to forgo a team captain shows his focus on the team's performance rather than individual accolades. The move is part of owner Steve Cohen's vision to foster a collaborative clubhouse culture, which will be tested as the Mets look to bounce back from a disappointing 2022 season.