Francisco Lindor Has Superstar Press Conference

When the New York Mets acquired Francisco Lindor and Carlos Carrasco in a trade last week, it was clear they had made the defining move of their offseason. It is not often that a team trades for a superstar shortstop in his prime. Getting a quality starting pitcher on top of that made the deal an absolute home run.

Still, the magnitude of landing Lindor was not truly felt until today’s Zoom press conference, where the 27-year-old passed his first test of the New York media with flying colors.

Lindor was relaxed as he answered all of the reporters questions, showing nothing but love and respect to his former team, while embracing an exciting future with the Mets. His radiant smile and genuine personality shined through, as Lindor has already won over this fan base before he even puts on a jersey.

“They say smiles are very contagious. I’m going to bring Francisco Lindor and hopefully, that is good enough for the fans…If I get to play the greatest game in the world, why not smile?” Lindor said.

Here are some of the key takeaways from Francisco Lindor’s introduction as a Met.

Mixed Feelings About Leaving Cleveland

“Once I got the call, there were a lot of mixed feelings. Cleveland was home and the people had treated me well…But, also there has been so much excitement around the Mets…I’m blessed to play the game of baseball in one of the greatest cities.” 

We have seen press conferences in the past where a superstar chooses to drag his former franchise on the way out and that could not have been further from the case with Lindor.

Lindor was 17 years old when the Cleveland Indians drafted him with the eighth overall pick in 2011 MLB Draft. He was 21 years old when he made his MLB debut on June 14, 2015, eventually leading his team to a World Series 16 months later.

When looking back at his time in Cleveland, Lindor affectionately calls the city home, while having nothing but positive things to say about what he views as a first-class organization. The realities of it being a small market led Lindor to New York, but there is no burnt bridges out in Northeast Ohio.

On the other hand, Lindor is thrilled to be playing on the New York Mets, especially after some of the other moves they have made this offseason.

“It’s a privilege to be able to wear this New York Mets logo.”

Signing with the Mets Long-Term

Francisco Lindor knew better than to show his hand, or make any guarantees when it came to the talk of a contract extension, as many questions were asked about his long-term future in New York.

Since the trade, the assumption has been that these two sides will come to terms on an extension, but there are still conversations that need to be had. Lindor has answered these questions for years in Cleveland and his answer has always been the same.

“I’m not against an extension, it just has to make sense for both sides,” Lindor said.

Lindor will let his agent, David Meter, handle the contract talks with the Mets, but there is certainly a deadline that has to be met.

As Howie Rose mentioned during the press conference, Mike Piazza once refrained from negotiating a new contract with the Mets once the season began and it sounds like Lindor has a similar philosophy.

“I have never negotiated a contract during the season. Never. I have always said before spring training, but once we get to spring training it’s time to enjoy the ride and focus on winning. That should be the only thing I’m focusing on.”

Connection to the Mets Past, Present and Future

Francisco Lindor was born in Caguas, Puerto Rico and has a lot of pride for where he comes from. Lindor was one of the key players on the Puerto Rican national team that went to the championship of the World Baseball Classic back in 2017, ultimately losing to United States in the championship game.

Lindor has a connection to current players from Puerto Rico like Tomas Nido, who he has known since he was a little kid. He also grew up idolizing some of the Puerto Rican MLB stars like Carlos Beltran and Carlos Delgado who were key members of the 2006 NL East champion New York Mets.

Francisco Lindor on being a part of the Mets' organization as a Puerto Rican player:

"I grew up and this is one of the teams I was watching just because it was Reyes, Beltran, David Wright, Endy Chavez, Delgado, that whole group was there" pic.twitter.com/RXyxD48xSp

— SNY (@SNYtv) January 11, 2021

Lindor is the type of transcendental star player that can really connect with all aspects of being Met. When he is wearing those black jerseys, fans will be brought back in time to watching those teams with Beltran, Delgado, Jose Reyes and David Wright of the 2000s.

Lindor is going to be a leader for this current Mets team, which hopes carve it’s own piece of history that will be remembered for a very long time.

New Face of the Franchise

Speaking as someone who grew up watching Mike Piazza and David Wright play for the Mets, I know the impact that a superstar can have on a young kid. Watching Lindor speak, I couldn’t help but think of the next generation of Mets fans.

Lindor has a magnetic personality that is sure to draw the attention of young Mets fans who are just beginning to love the game. There are going to be kids who will fight to wear the No. 12 on their Little League team, the same way kids from my generation fought to wear No. 5.

For those young Mets fans, Lindor appears to be the perfect role model, who can teach them how to play the game the right way, with the right attitude.

With the core of players that were already in place, and the additions that have been made this offseason, the Mets have a chance to be a special team for the next couple of years. As the face of the franchise in Cleveland, Lindor has helped lead his team to the playoffs in four of the last five years.

Lindor may be on a bigger stage now in New York, but he has already experienced all of the pressures that can be thrown at him on a baseball field. He talks about wanting to just be part of a group of guys pulling the rope towards a championship, instead of trying to get out in front of everyone as the leader.

“I just want to be a little piece of that puzzle. Ima smile, Ima have fun, Ima enjoy this ride, brother.”

Ever since Steve Cohen purchased the Mets, there has been a fascination with all of the star players on the market. While he was not a free agent, Lindor certainly fits the billing of the next superstar Met. One that could have an immense impact on the franchise moving forward.

Between his smile, demeanor and incredible talents on the diamond, the future looks awfully bright for the newest member of the New York Mets.