It’s finally approaching — baseball is back in the air as Mets pitchers and catchers are set to officially report on Feb. 11. Over the last week, Mets players have begun ramping up for the season, including Francisco Lindor, Freddy Peralta, and Francisco Alvarez. With just one day separating the first milestone of the MLB season, Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns spoke with the media. Here’s what you missed from an eventful press conference:
David Stearns: Francisco Lindor Might Need Surgery, Juan Soto Moves to LF
Francisco Lindor could miss six weeks
Stearns dropped a bombshell to open his press conference, revealing that Lindor is being evaluated for a stress reaction in his left hamate bone. The injury could require surgery, with an estimated recovery time of 6 weeks. Despite the uncertainty, Stearns remains optimistic that Lindor will be ready for Opening Day.
“We are optimistic that he will be available for Opening Day,” Stearns said. “Even if surgery is necessary, we believe he’ll be back before then. If we need shortstop help, we’ll address it, but we remain optimistic.”
The news comes after a week of speculation surrounding Lindor, who was recently pulled from Team Puerto Rico ahead of the World Baseball Classic due to insurance-related issues. Reports surfaced that Grammy Award-winning artist Bad Bunny had an interest in covering the insurance costs, though the proposal was declined.
“We have nothing to do with that,” Stearns said. “I’m not sure why he wasn’t given clearance. Clubs have nothing to do with that.”
If Lindor were to miss time, the Mets have internal depth to fill in short-term, including major league infielder Ronny Mauricio and former Braves top prospect Vidal Bruján.
Juan Soto to play left field
It had long been expected that Juan Soto would eventually shift positions, though the move will come sooner than anticipated — and to a different spot. Soto is set to move to left field in just his second season with the Mets. He has been preparing to play left field for the World Baseball Classic, a transition that will now carry over to the Mets’ lineup.
“It just got to a point where it made the most sense for us to go ahead and do it,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said.
The move creates an opening in right field, which could be filled internally. Stearns acknowledged that top prospect Carson Benge is a potential option, while also mentioning Tyrone Taylor and MJ Melendez as possibilities.
“Carson Benge could be an option,” Stearns said. “We’ve been consistent that he has a chance to make the team.”
Other notes
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Ryan Clifford is expected to begin the season at Triple-A but remains firmly in the Mets’ plans at the major league level, according to Stearns. Clifford showed improvement defensively in the outfield while slashing .237/.356/.470 with a career-high 29 home runs and 93 RBIs.
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Left-handed reliever A.J. Minter is expected to return in May. Minter, who signed a two-year, $22 million contract last offseason, posted a 1.63 ERA and 1.00 WHIP in 13 appearances before suffering his injury.
Main Photo Credits: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
