Darryl Strawberry Backs Francisco Lindor as Mets Star Faces Tough Season

Francisco Lindor received public support from New York Mets legend Darryl Strawberry after helping his team earn a 6-1 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday. Strawberry shared a message of encouragement following Lindor’s performance, urging the star shortstop to ignore outside criticism and stay focused on his game.

After Lindor hit a two-run home run that helped the Mets take control of the game, Strawberry praised him in an Instagram post. The former Mets great called Lindor one of the best players in baseball and encouraged him not to let negativity affect his confidence. He also expressed that he is continuing to support Lindor during a difficult stretch for both the player and the team.

The message comes at a challenging time for the Mets. The club entered the season with high expectations and was widely viewed as a contender for a postseason spot. Instead, the team has struggled throughout the year and now holds a 42-58 record. They also sit 16 games behind the first-place Atlanta Braves in the National League East, making their playoff hopes increasingly difficult.

Lindor has also faced a difficult season individually. The veteran shortstop is batting .220 with six home runs, 15 RBIs, and a .695 OPS. His numbers have fallen short of expectations, leading to increased criticism from fans and media as the Mets continue to search for consistency.

In addition to his on-field struggles, Lindor has been the subject of ongoing speculation regarding his relationship with teammate Juan Soto. Rumors suggesting tension between the two star players have continued to circulate, although no confirmed issues within the clubhouse have been reported.

Trade speculation has also followed Lindor as Major League Baseball approaches its August 3 trade deadline. However, the Mets infielder made it clear that outside rumors are not affecting his mindset.

Lindor explained that outside speculation does not bother him because it does not reflect what is happening inside the organization. He said he avoids reading or discussing trade rumors because they create unnecessary distractions. While he acknowledged that he is human and that his family hears and talks about the rumors, he emphasized that nothing inside the clubhouse has caused concern.

The shortstop recently returned from a left calf injury and remains focused on helping the Mets finish the season as strongly as possible. Despite the constant discussion surrounding his future, Lindor indicated that his attention remains on playing baseball rather than reacting to outside noise.

Lindor is also under a long-term contract with the Mets, with more than six years and $341 million remaining on his deal. Even with continued trade rumors, he stated that his approach to the game will remain the same regardless of where he plays.

Strawberry’s public message adds the support of one of the most respected figures in Mets history at a time when Lindor continues to face criticism and speculation. As the season moves forward, the veteran shortstop remains committed to staying focused despite the challenges surrounding both his performance and the team’s disappointing campaign.

Sources

• Instagram (Darryl Strawberry official account)
• SNY Sports
• Major League Baseball (MLB) official statistics and team records