The New York Mets are entering the 2026 campaign with a roster that will look very different from the one we last saw. One of the key returning pieces, though, is shortstop Francisco Lindor, who will likely play a big role in determining just how successful the Mets are in the upcoming season.
And yet, while the new season hasn’t even started yet, Lindor is already dealing with injury woes, as he suffered a broken left hamate bone that will prevent him from playing for Puerto Rico in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. However, according to the man himself, it sounds like Lindor is expecting to be ready to go for New York come Opening Day.
Francisco Lindor Believes He’ll Be Ready for Opening Day — ‘One Hundred Percent’
Lindor has spent the past five seasons with the Mets, where he has solidified himself as one of the best players of his generation. A true five-tool player, Lindor does a little bit of everything for New York, and most importantly, he plays virtually every game, as he has missed just 15 total contests over the past four years.
The 2025 campaign was Lindor’s first All-Star campaign with New York, as he hit .267 with 31 home runs, 86 RBIs, and 31 stolen bases. Things are going to look different for Lindor and the rest of the Mets’ lineup in 2026, though, as they will be without key guys like Pete Alonso and Brandon Nimmo.
As a result, Lindor is going to have to shoulder a bigger load at the plate. Of course, he needs to be on the field in order to do so, and his recent injury situation has thrown a wrench in his hope of being ready to go for the start of the regular season. After hitting earlier this week, though, Lindor sounded optimistic when discussing his chances of being ready to go by Opening Day.
“Francisco Lindor, who is recovering from a broken left hamate bone, told The Post he likes his Opening Day chances after hitting for the first time Wednesday,” Jon Heyman reported. “‘One hundred percent, I think I can make it for Opening Day … we’re checking the boxes along the way.'”
Will Francisco Lindor Be in the Mets’ Opening Day Lineup?
GettyNew York Mets infielder Francisco Lindor.
Considering how early in the year it is, the Mets are likely going to play things safe with Lindor when it comes to his injury status. Lindor is one of the most durable players in the league, though, and given his penchant for playing as much as possible, if he gets the green light to play, you can bet that he will be on the field with the rest of his teammates.
Lindor still has a couple of weeks to get himself up to speed, but it’s a good sign that he was able to hit without experiencing any sort of pain or setbacks. Right now, it’s tough to say whether or not Lindor will actually be in New York’s Opening Day lineup, but if he can continue trending in the right direction, it probably wouldn’t be wise to bet against him.
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