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. Previously, he played for the Cleveland Indians. He is a switch hitter and throws right-handed. Lindor is originally from Puerto Rico and competes in Major League Baseball (MLB).

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1987: Teammates Howard Johnson and Darryl Strawberry go 30-30

In 1987, Howard Johnson and Darryl Strawberry became set of teammates in MLB history to ever go 30–30 in the same season

1996: Teammates Dante Bichette and Ellis Burks go 30-30

In 1996, Dante Bichette and Ellis Burks became set of teammates in MLB history to ever go 30–30 in the same season

1997: Postseason Hit Record

During the 2016 MLB postseason, Lindor's 16 postseason hits are the most hits by a batter since 1997.

2010: Lindor Plays in World Junior Baseball Championship

In 2010, Lindor played for the 18U United States team in the 2010 World Junior Baseball Championship, finishing in fifth place and being named to the All-IBAF Juniors Team.

August 2011: Signed with the Cleveland Indians

In August 2011, after Lindor moved to Central Florida and enrolled at Montverde Academy, he signed with the Cleveland Indians.

2011: Drafted by Cleveland Indians

In 2011, Francisco Lindor was selected as the Cleveland Indians' first-round pick, eighth overall, in the MLB draft.

2011: Professional Debut with Mahoning Valley Scrappers

In 2011, Lindor began his professional career with the Low-A New York–Penn League Mahoning Valley Scrappers, appearing in four games.

2012: All-Star Futures Game Participation

In 2012, Lindor participated in the All-Star Futures Game while in the minor leagues.

July 15, 2013: Promoted to Akron Aeros

On July 15, 2013, Lindor was promoted to the Akron Aeros of the Double-A Eastern League from the Carolina Mudcats of the High-A Carolina League.

2013: Top Prospect Rating

By 2013, Lindor was rated by Baseball America as the Cleveland Indians' top overall prospect.

May 7, 2014: Traded to Gigantes de Carolina

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, the Indians promoted Lindor to the Columbus Clippers of the Triple-A International League from Akron.

June 14, 2015: MLB Debut and First Hit

On June 14, 2015, the Indians purchased Lindor's contract from Columbus 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 also won the American League Rookie of the Month Award for September.

2015: Began season with Columbus Clippers

Lindor began the 2015 season with the Columbus Clippers.

2016: Gold Glove Award and Best Defensive Player Award

In 2016, Lindor earned his first Gold Glove Award and Platinum Glove Award and was named the Esurance MLB/This Year in Baseball Award winner for Best Defensive Player; he also finished ninth in the AL MVP voting.

2016: All-Star Selection, Gold Glove Award, and World Series Appearance

In 2016, Lindor led the Cleveland Indians to a World Series appearance, earned his first All-Star selection, and won his first Gold Glove Award, becoming the first Puerto Rican shortstop to win the Gold Glove Award.

April 5, 2017: First Career Grand Slam

On April 5, 2017, Lindor hit his first career grand slam against the Texas Rangers.

2017: Postseason Grand Slam

During Game 2 of the 2017 AL Division Series against the New York Yankees, Lindor became the third shortstop in major league history to hit a grand slam in the postseason.

2017: Lindor Plays in World Baseball Classic

In 2017, Lindor played for the Puerto Rican national team at the World Baseball Classic (WBC). He was selected the MVP of Pool D and named to the 2017 All-WBC team.

2017: Silver Slugger Award and R.B.I. Baseball 18 Cover Athlete

In 2017, Lindor was selected as shortstop on Baseball America's All-MLB Team, won his first career Silver Slugger Award at shortstop, 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 and All-WBC Team Selection

In 2017, Lindor won his first Silver Slugger Award and was named to the 2017 All-WBC Team while playing for the Puerto Rico national baseball team during the World Baseball Classic.

2017: Lindor Hits Grand Slam in AL Division Series

Lindor previously hit a grand slam in Game 2 of the 2017 AL Division Series.

2018: Lindor achieves 25 Home Runs and 25 Stolen Bases

In 2018, Lindor achieved at least 25 home runs and 25 stolen bases.

2018: All-Star Selection and Silver Slugger Award

In 2018, Lindor was selected to the 2018 All-Star Game, his third consecutive All-Star appearance, and won the Silver Slugger Award for the second consecutive year.

2018: AL Division Series Performance

In the 2018 AL Division Series, Lindor batted .364 with 2 home runs, but the Indians were swept in 3 games by the Houston Astros.

April 26, 2019: 100th and 101st Home Runs

On April 26, 2019, Lindor hit two home runs to lead the Indians to a 6–3 victory over the Houston Astros, marking the 100th and 101st home runs of his career.

2020: Trade to the New York Mets

Following the 2020 season, Lindor was traded to the New York Mets.

January 7, 2021: Trade to the New York Mets

On January 7, 2021, the Indians traded Lindor and Carlos Carrasco to the New York Mets for Amed Rosario, Andrés Giménez, Josh Wolf, and Isaiah Greene.

March 31, 2021: Extension with the Mets

On March 31, 2021, the Mets and Lindor agreed to a 10-year, $341 million extension that would keep him with the team through 2031.

June 27, 2023: Lindor Hits 200th Career Home Run

On June 27, 2023, Francisco Lindor hit his 200th career home run during a game against the Milwaukee Brewers, off pitcher Julio Teherán.

2023: Joins the 30-30 Club

In 2023, Francisco Lindor joined the 30-30 club for the first time.

2023: Lindor Achieves Multiple Milestones in 2023 Season

In 2023, Lindor achieved his first career 30–30 season.

2023: Lindor Achieves Milestone Season

In 2023, Lindor became the first shortstop in MLB history to have three separate seasons with at least 25 home runs and 25 stolen bases, repeating his achievements from 2018 and 2023.

2023: Lindor Plays in 2023 World Baseball Classic

In 2023, Lindor played for the Puerto Rican national team at the World Baseball Classic and was made team captain. He also ran out an inside-the-park home run in 15.7 seconds to secure a win against the Dominican Republic, ensuring Puerto Rico's advancement to the quarterfinals and qualification for the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

2024: Lindor achieves 25 Home Runs and 25 Stolen Bases

In 2024, Lindor became the first shortstop in MLB history to have four separate seasons with at least 25 home runs and 25 stolen bases, having done so already in 2018, 2023.

2024: Lindor's Performance in 2024 Season

In 2024, Lindor played 152 games for the Mets, achieving a batting average of .273/.344/.500 with 33 home runs, 29 stolen bases, 107 runs scored, and 91 RBI.

2024: Lindor Hits Grand Slam in NL Division Series

In Game 4 of the 2024 NL Division Series against the Philadelphia Phillies, Lindor hit a grand slam off pitcher Carlos Estévez, propelling the Mets to a 4–1 lead and advancing them to the NL Championship Series.

2024: Mets Clinch Postseason Spot

On September 30, 2024, Lindor's go-ahead two-run homer in the 9th inning secured an 8–7 victory over the Atlanta Braves, clinching a spot for the Mets in the 2024 MLB postseason.

April 7, 2025: Lindor Notches 1,500th Career Hit

On April 7, 2025, during a game against the Miami Marlins, Lindor recorded his 1,500th career hit, a single off pitcher Tyler Phillips, contributing to a 2–0 Mets victory.

2025: Lindor Achieves Multiple Milestones in 2025 Season

In 2025, Lindor became the first MLB shortstop to have 5 seasons of 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases in his career. Lindor achieved his second career 30–30 season, his first since 2023, and became the second shortstop to ever have two of them, joining Bobby Witt Jr. Also, he and teammate Juan Soto became the third set of teammates in MLB history to ever go 30–30 in the same season.

2025: Lindor Selected for 2025 All-Star Game

In 2025, Lindor was selected as the National League's starting shortstop in the 2025 All-Star Game, marking his first selection as a Met and his fifth overall. On July 12, 2025, Lindor recorded his 200th career stolen base.