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. Previously, he played for the Cleveland Indians. A switch-hitter and right-handed thrower, Lindor is known for his positive attitude and on-field talent.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2010: 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. The team finished in fifth place and Lindor was named to the All-IBAF Juniors Team at shortstop.

August 2011: Signed with the Cleveland Indians

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

2011: Professional Career Begins

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

2011: Drafted by the Indians

In 2011, Francisco Lindor was selected in the first round, eighth overall, by the Cleveland Indians in the MLB draft.

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

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

2012: All-Star Futures Game

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

2012: Indians Top Prospect

Prior to the 2012 season, Baseball America ranked Francisco Lindor as the Indians top prospect.

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.

2013: Top Prospect

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

May 7, 2014: Traded to the Gigantes de Carolina

On May 7, 2014, the Indios de Mayagüez traded Francisco 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 Francisco Lindor to the Columbus Clippers of the Class AAA International League.

June 14, 2015: MLB Debut

On June 14, 2015, the Indians purchased Francisco Lindor's contract from Columbus and added him to the active roster. He made his debut with the Indians that day as a pinch hitter and recorded his first major league hit.

2015: Starts season with Columbus Clippers

Francisco Lindor began the 2015 season with the Columbus Clippers.

2016: All-Star Selection and Gold Glove Award

In 2016, Francisco Lindor led the 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, Francisco Lindor hit his first career grand slam against the Texas Rangers, helping the Indians sweep the season-opening series.

2017: 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: Silver Slugger Award and All-WBC Team Selection

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

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

In 2017, end of season awards for Francisco Lindor included selection as shortstop on Baseball America's All-MLB Team, and 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: Grand Slam in AL Division Series

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

2017: Previous Grand Slam

In Game 2 of the 2017 AL Division Series, Francisco Lindor previously hit a grand slam.

2018: AL Player of the Month and Multiple Home Run Games

Due to his tremendous month of May, Francisco Lindor was named AL Player of the Month in 2018. He also became the fourth player in history to produce at least two doubles and two home runs in a single game twice in one season.

2018: All-Star Selection and Silver Slugger Award

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

2018: AL Division Series Performance

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

2019: All-Star and Gold Glove in 2019

In 2019, Francisco Lindor was again an All-Star and won his second Gold Glove Award at shortstop.

2020: Trade to the Mets

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

January 7, 2021: Traded to the New York Mets

On January 7, 2021, Francisco Lindor and Carlos Carrasco were traded by the Indians to the New York Mets.

March 31, 2021: Contract Extension with the Mets

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

June 27, 2023: 200th Career Home Run

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

2023: Joins 30-30 Club

In 2023, Francisco Lindor joined the 30–30 club.

2023: 2023 World Baseball Classic

In 2023, Francisco Lindor played for the Puerto Rican national team at the World Baseball Classic, serving as team captain. He played in five games.

2024: Stats for the Year

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

In Game 4 of the 2024 NL Division Series against the Philadelphia Phillies, Francisco Lindor hit a grand slam off pitcher Carlos Estévez in the bottom of the 6th inning 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, Francisco Lindor hit a go-ahead two-run homer in the top of the 9th inning in the penultimate game of the season, giving the Mets an 8–7 lead over the Atlanta Braves, which proved the final score. This allowed the Mets to clinch a spot in the 2024 MLB postseason.

April 7, 2025: 1,500th Career Hit

On April 7, 2025, during a game against the Miami Marlins, Francisco Lindor achieved his 1,500th career hit. It was a single to left field off Tyler Phillips in the bottom of the 5th inning. Lindor went 3-for-4 with three singles and a run in the 2–0 Mets victory.