Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Francisco Lindor
Discover the career path of Francisco Lindor, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
Francisco Lindor, nicknamed "Mr. Smile," is a professional baseball shortstop currently playing for the New York Mets in MLB. Prior to joining the Mets, he played for the Cleveland Indians. A switch hitter and right-handed thrower, Lindor is known for his skills and positive attitude on the field.
2011: Professional Career Begins
In 2011, Francisco Lindor began his professional career with the Mahoning Valley Scrappers in the New York-Penn League, appearing in four games.
2012: Rated a Top Prospect
Before the 2012 season, Lindor was rated as the 32nd best prospect in baseball by MLB.com. He was also named to appear in the 2012 All-Star Futures Game. In 122 games for Lake County, Lindor had a .257 batting average with six home runs, 42 RBIs, 33 extra-base hits and 27 stolen bases.
2012: All-Star Futures Game Participant
In 2012, Lindor participated in the All-Star Futures Game, showcasing his talent as a rising star in baseball.
July 15, 2013: Promotion to Akron Aeros
On July 15, 2013, Francisco Lindor was promoted to the Akron Aeros of the Class AA Eastern League, continuing his ascent in the minor leagues.
2013: Indians' Top Prospect
By 2013, Francisco Lindor was recognized by Baseball America as the Cleveland Indians' top overall prospect, highlighting his potential and skill in baseball.
May 7, 2014: Traded in Liga de Béisbol Profesional Roberto Clemente
On May 7, 2014, the Indios de Mayagüez traded Lindor's LBPRC player rights to the Gigantes de Carolina in exchange for Carlos Correa.
July 21, 2014: Promotion to Columbus Clippers
On July 21, 2014, Francisco Lindor was promoted to the Columbus Clippers of the Class AAA International League, marking another step closer to the major leagues.
June 14, 2015: MLB Debut
On June 14, 2015, the Indians purchased Lindor's contract and added him to the active roster where he made his MLB debut as a pinch hitter and recorded his first major league hit. He batted .284 with two home runs and 22 RBIs in 59 games for Columbus prior to his promotion.
2015: Season Start with Columbus
Francisco Lindor began the 2015 season with the Columbus Clippers, the AAA affiliate of the Cleveland Indians.
2016: All-Star Selection and Gold Glove Award
In 2016, Francisco Lindor led the Cleveland Guardians to a World Series appearance and earned his first All-Star selection and Gold Glove Award, becoming the first Puerto Rican shortstop to win the Gold Glove Award.
2016: Gold Glove and Platinum Glove Awards
In 2016, Lindor was named a Gold Glove Award Finalist and following the season, Lindor was presented with his first Gold Glove Award and first Platinum Glove Award. He was the 2016 Esurance MLB/This Year in Baseball Award winner for Best Defensive Player and finished ninth in the AL MVP voting.
April 5, 2017: First Career Grand Slam
On April 5, 2017, Lindor hit his first career grand slam against the Texas Rangers, contributing to a 9-6 victory for the Indians.
July 22, 2017: First Career Walk-Off Home Run
On July 22, 2017, Lindor hit his first career walk-off home run in the 10th inning against the Toronto Blue Jays, securing a 2-1 victory.
2017: Previous Postseason Grand Slam
In 2017, Francisco Lindor previously hit a grand slam in Game 2 of the AL Division Series.
2017: All-MLB Team and Silver Slugger Award
In 2017, Lindor was selected as shortstop on Baseball America's All-MLB Team and won his first career Silver Slugger Award at shortstop. He finished fifth in the AL MVP voting, and was selected as the cover athlete of the video game R.B.I. Baseball 18.
2017: Silver Slugger Award
In 2017, Lindor won his first Silver Slugger Award, recognizing his offensive performance in addition to his defensive skills.
August 8, 2018: Walk-Off Home Run
On August 8, 2018, Lindor hit a 3 run walk-off home run in the 9th inning versus the Minnesota Twins for a 5–2 victory.
2018: 25/25 Season
In 2018, Francisco Lindor had at least 25 home runs and 25 stolen bases, marking one of his seasons with this achievement.
2019: All-Star and Gold Glove
In 2019, Lindor was again an All-Star and won his second Gold Glove Award at shortstop. He finished fifteenth in MVP voting.
2020: Traded to the Mets
Following the 2020 season, Lindor was traded to the New York Mets, beginning a new chapter in his career.
January 7, 2021: Trade to the New York Mets
On January 7, 2021, the Cleveland Indians traded Lindor and Carlos Carrasco to the New York Mets.
March 31, 2021: Contract Extension with Mets
On March 31, 2021, the Mets and Lindor agreed to a 10-year, $341 million extension, securing his place with the team through 2031.
June 27, 2023: 200th Career Home Run
On June 27, 2023, during a game against the Milwaukee Brewers, Lindor hit his 200th career home run.
2023: Another 25/25 Season
In 2023, Francisco Lindor achieved at least 25 home runs and 25 stolen bases for the third time.
2023: Joins 30-30 Club
In 2023, Lindor achieved a significant milestone by joining the 30-30 club, showcasing his power and speed.
2023: World Baseball Classic Team Captain
In 2023, Lindor played for Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic (WBC) as team captain. He secured a win against the Dominican Republic with an inside-the-park home run.
2024: Strong Season Performance
In 2024, Lindor played in 152 games for the Mets, batting .273/.344/.500 with 33 home runs, 29 stolen bases, and 91 RBI.
2024: Grand Slam in NL Division Series
On October 9, 2024, in Game 4 of the NL Division Series against the Philadelphia Phillies, Lindor hit a grand slam off Carlos Estévez in the bottom of the 6th, helping the Mets advance to the NL Championship Series.
2024: Go-Ahead Homer and Postseason Berth
On September 30, 2024, Francisco Lindor hit a go-ahead two-run homer in the top of the 9th inning against the Atlanta Braves, securing an 8–7 lead and clinching a spot in the 2024 MLB postseason for the Mets.
2026: Qualified for the 2026 World Baseball Classic
As a result of the win against the Dominican Republic in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, Puerto Rico and Lindor qualified for the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
2031: Contract End Date
On March 31, 2021, the Mets and Lindor agreed to a 10-year, $341 million extension, securing his place with the team through 2031.
