{"id":113856,"date":"2026-02-10T17:13:14","date_gmt":"2026-02-10T22:13:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/?p=113856"},"modified":"2026-02-10T17:13:14","modified_gmt":"2026-02-10T22:13:14","slug":"mets-spring-training-lindor-injury-soto-left-field","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2026\/02\/10\/mets-spring-training-lindor-injury-soto-left-field\/","title":{"rendered":"David Stearns: Francisco Lindor Might Need Surgery, Juan Soto Moves to LF"},"content":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s finally approaching \u2014 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<\/a>, Freddy Peralta<\/a>, and Francisco Alvarez<\/a>. With just one day separating the first milestone of the MLB season, Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns spoke with the media. Here\u2019s what you missed from an eventful press conference:<\/p>\n

David Stearns: Francisco Lindor Might Need Surgery, Juan Soto Moves to LF<\/h2>\n

Francisco Lindor could miss six weeks<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are optimistic that he will be available for Opening Day,\u201d Stearns said. \u201cEven if surgery is necessary, we believe he\u2019ll be back before then. If we need shortstop help, we\u2019ll address it, but we remain optimistic.\u201d<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have nothing to do with that,\u201d Stearns said. \u201cI\u2019m not sure why he wasn\u2019t given clearance. Clubs have nothing to do with that.\u201d<\/p>\n

If Lindor were to miss time, the Mets have internal depth to fill in short-term, including major league infielder Ronny Mauricio<\/a> and former Braves top prospect Vidal Bruj\u00e1n<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Juan Soto to play left field<\/h3>\n

It had long been expected that Juan Soto<\/a> would eventually shift positions, though the move will come sooner than anticipated \u2014 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\u2019 lineup.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt just got to a point where it made the most sense for us to go ahead and do it,\u201d Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said.<\/p>\n

The move creates an opening in right field, which could be filled internally. Stearns acknowledged that top prospect Carson Benge<\/a> is a potential option, while also mentioning Tyrone Taylor<\/a> and MJ Melendez<\/a> as possibilities.<\/p>\n

\u201cCarson Benge could be an option,\u201d Stearns said. \u201cWe\u2019ve been consistent that he has a chance to make the team.\u201d<\/p>\n

Other notes<\/h3>\n