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. Prior to joining the Mets, Lindor played for the Cleveland Indians. He is a switch hitter and a right-handed thrower. He is known for his cheerful personality and engaging presence on and off the field.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2010: Lindor Plays in World Junior Baseball Championship

In 2010, Francisco Lindor played for the 18U United States team in the 2010 World Junior Baseball Championship in Thunder Bay, Ontario. He was named to the All-IBAF Juniors Team.

August 2011: Signed with the Cleveland Indians

After Lindor signed with the Cleveland Indians in August 2011, his mother and two older siblings joined him in Florida.

2011: Professional Career Begins

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

2011: Indians' First-Round Selection

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

2011: Drafted by the Indians

In 2011, the Cleveland Indians drafted Lindor in the first round (eighth overall) of the MLB draft. In August, he signed with the Indians for $2.9 million.

2012: Ranked as a Top Prospect and All-Star Futures Game Selection

Before the 2012 season, MLB.com rated Lindor as the 32nd best prospect in baseball. He was also assigned to the Lake County Captains and named to appear in the 2012 All-Star Futures Game.

2012: All-Star Futures Game Participation

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

July 15, 2013: Promotion to Akron Aeros

On July 15, 2013, Lindor was promoted to the Akron Aeros of the Class AA Eastern League after starting the season with the Carolina Mudcats.

2013: Rated Indians' Top Prospect

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

May 7, 2014: Indios de Mayagüez Traded Lindor's Rights

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 Class AAA International League.

June 14, 2015: MLB Debut

On June 14, 2015, the Cleveland Indians purchased Lindor's contract from Columbus and added him to the active roster. He made his major league debut that day as a pinch hitter and recorded his first major league hit. He also won the American League (AL) Rookie of the Month Award for September and finished the season with a .313 batting average.

2015: Season start with Columbus Clippers

Lindor began the 2015 season with the Columbus Clippers.

2016: All-Star Selection and Gold Glove Award

In 2016, Lindor led the Cleveland Indians 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.

April 5, 2017: First Career Grand Slam

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

2017: Lindor Plays in World Baseball Classic

In 2017, Francisco 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: Grand Slam in AL Division Series

In 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.

2018: Lindor Achieves 25-25 Season

In 2018, Francisco Lindor had a season with at least 25 home runs and 25 stolen bases.

2018: Third Consecutive All-Star Appearance and Silver Slugger Award

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

2018: AL Division Series

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 Career Home Runs

On April 26, 2019, Lindor hit two home runs, marking the 100th and 101st home runs of his career, in a game against the Houston Astros.

2020: Traded to the 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 Cleveland Indians traded Lindor and Carlos Carrasco to the New York Mets.

March 31, 2021: Contract Extension with the Mets

On March 31, 2021, the Mets and Lindor agreed to a 10-year, $341 million contract extension, keeping 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 off of pitcher Julio Teherán during a game against the Milwaukee Brewers.

2023: Lindor Achieves 25-25 Season

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

2023: Lindor Plays in 2023 World Baseball Classic

In 2023, Francisco Lindor played for the Puerto Rican national team at the World Baseball Classic. He was made team captain.

2023: Joins the 30-30 Club

In 2023, Lindor joined the 30–30 club.

2024: Lindor's 2024 Season Stats

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: 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 to lift the Mets to a 4–1 lead and propel them to the NL Championship Series.

2024: Mets Clinch Postseason Spot

On September 30, in the penultimate game of the season, Lindor hit a go-ahead two-run homer in the top of the 9th inning to give the Mets an 8–7 lead over the Atlanta Braves, which proved the final score, and allowed the Mets to clinch a spot in the 2024 MLB postseason.

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

On April 7, 2025, Francisco Lindor notched his 1,500th career hit during a game against the Miami Marlins. It was a single to left field off Tyler Phillips.

2026: Lindor to Reprise Role as Team Captain

Francisco Lindor will reprise his role as team captain for Puerto Rico in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

2026: Puerto Rico Qualifies for 2026 World Baseball Classic

In 2023, Francisco Lindor ran out an inside-the-park home run to secure a win against the Dominican Republic, a victory which ensured Puerto Rico's qualification for the 2026 World Baseball Classic.