History of Francisco Lindor in Timeline
"Mr. Smile", Francisco Lindor, is a professional baseball shortstop from Puerto Rico. Known for his switch-hitting and right-handed throwing, he currently plays for the New York Mets and was previously with the Cleveland Indians. Standing at 5'11" and weighing 190 lbs, Lindor is a prominent figure in Major League Baseball."
April 26, 1956: Chico Carrasquel's 7-RBI Game
On April 26, 1956, Chico Carrasquel drove in seven runs for the Kansas City Athletics, a franchise record for shortstops that would stand for over six decades.
November 14, 1993: Birth of Francisco Lindor
Francisco Miguel Lindor Serrano was born on November 14, 1993. He would become known as "Mr. Smile" and play professional baseball as a shortstop.
1993: Joining an Elite Group of Hitters
Lindor's achievement of hitting two doubles and two home runs in a single game twice in a single season in 2018 put him in a select group with Rafael Palmeiro (1993), Jim Edmonds (2003), and Adrián Beltré (2007).
1996: Edgar Martínez's Record-Breaking Season
In 1996, Edgar Martínez set a record for most runs scored by a Puerto Rican MLB player with 79, a feat that would later be surpassed by Lindor.
1997: Record-Breaking Postseason Hits
In the 2016 MLB postseason, Lindor achieved a record for the most hits by a batter since 1997, highlighting his exceptional performance under pressure.
2003: Joining an Elite Group of Hitters
Lindor's achievement of hitting two doubles and two home runs in a single game twice in a single season in 2018 put him in a select group with Rafael Palmeiro (1993), Jim Edmonds (2003), and Adrián Beltré (2007).
2007: Joining an Elite Group of Hitters
Lindor's achievement of hitting two doubles and two home runs in a single game twice in a single season in 2018 put him in a select group with Rafael Palmeiro (1993), Jim Edmonds (2003), and Adrián Beltré (2007).
2010: Lindor Represents the United States
In 2010, Francisco Lindor showcased his talent on the international stage, playing as a shortstop for the 18U United States team in the World Junior Baseball Championship held in Thunder Bay, Ontario. His exceptional skills earned him a spot on the All-IBAF Juniors Team. The US team finished fifth despite only losing one game.
August 2011: Move to Central Florida and Signing with the Cleveland Indians
At the age of 12, Lindor relocated with his father, stepmother, and younger sibling to Central Florida. Following his signing with the Cleveland Indians in August 2011, his mother and two older siblings joined them.
2011: Drafted by the Cleveland Indians and Indios de Mayagüez
In 2011, Lindor was drafted not only by the Cleveland Indians (MLB) but also by the Indios de Mayagüez in the Liga de Béisbol Profesional Roberto Clemente (LBPRC).
2011: Drafted by the Cleveland Indians
Francisco Lindor's professional baseball journey began in 2011 when he was selected by the Cleveland Indians as their first-round pick, eighth overall, in the MLB draft.
2011: Professional Debut with the Mahoning Valley Scrappers
Francisco Lindor embarked on his professional baseball career in 2011, playing for the Short-Season A New York-Penn League Mahoning Valley Scrappers.
2012: Ranked as Indians' Top Prospect by Baseball America
Before the start of the 2012 season, Lindor's talent was evident as Baseball America placed him at the top of their list of prospects for the Cleveland Indians.
2012: Participation in the All-Star Futures Game
In recognition of his rising talent, Lindor was selected to participate in the prestigious All-Star Futures Game in 2012.
2012: Ranked 32nd Best Prospect and Assigned to Lake County Captains
Lindor's potential was recognized by MLB.com, which ranked him as the 32nd best prospect ahead of the 2012 season. He was subsequently assigned to the Lake County Captains in the Class A Midwest League.
July 15, 2013: Promotion to the Akron Aeros
Lindor's performance with the Carolina Mudcats earned him a promotion to the Akron Aeros of the Class AA Eastern League on July 15, 2013.
2013: Montverde Academy Baseball Facility Named After Lindor
In 2013, Montverde Academy, where Lindor attended, decided to honor their alumnus by naming their baseball facility after him.
2013: Ranked as the Indians' Top Prospect by Baseball America
Lindor's exceptional skills on the field earned him the top spot on Baseball America's ranking of the Cleveland Indians' prospects in 2013.
May 7, 2014: Trade of LBPRC Player Rights
The Indios de Mayagüez traded Francisco Lindor's Liga de Béisbol Profesional Roberto Clemente (LBPRC) player rights to the Gigantes de Carolina in exchange for Carlos Correa on May 7, 2014.
July 21, 2014: Promotion to the Columbus Clippers
Lindor's strong performance with the Akron Aeros led to his promotion to the Columbus Clippers of the Class AAA International League on July 21, 2014.
June 14, 2015: MLB Debut with the Cleveland Indians
June 14, 2015, marked a significant day in Francisco Lindor's career as he made his much-anticipated MLB debut with the Cleveland Indians, having been called up from the Columbus Clippers.
2015: Second Place in AL Rookie of the Year Voting
In 2015, Lindor narrowly missed out on the American League Rookie of the Year Award, finishing in second place.
2015: Started Season with Columbus Clippers
Francisco Lindor commenced the 2015 season with the Columbus Clippers, continuing his development in the minor leagues.
2016: First All-Star Selection and Gold Glove Award
In 2016, Lindor received his first All-Star selection and earned a Gold Glove Award, a first for a Puerto Rican shortstop.
2016: Gold Glove and Platinum Glove Awards
Lindor had a standout year in 2016, culminating in him receiving both the Gold Glove and Platinum Glove Awards for his defensive prowess at shortstop.
April 5, 2017: First Career Grand Slam
On April 5, 2017, Lindor achieved a career milestone by hitting his first grand slam in a game against the Texas Rangers, contributing to the Indians' 9-6 victory.
July 22, 2017: First Career Walk-Off Home Run
Lindor experienced the thrill of a walk-off home run for the first time in his career on July 22, 2017, securing a 2-1 win for the Indians against the Toronto Blue Jays in the 10th inning.
2017: Historic Grand Slam in ALDS
During Game 2 of the 2017 American League Division Series (ALDS) against the New York Yankees, Lindor etched his name in baseball history by becoming only the third shortstop to hit a grand slam in the postseason.
2017: Lindor Shines in World Baseball Classic
Francisco Lindor played a pivotal role for the Puerto Rican national team in the 2017 World Baseball Classic, earning the MVP title for Pool D and helping his team reach the championship game.
2017: First Silver Slugger Award and All-WBC Team Selection
Lindor was honored with his first Silver Slugger Award in 2017. He was also chosen to represent his country on the All-WBC Team.
2017: Baseball America All-MLB Team and Silver Slugger Award
Lindor's consistent performance in 2017 earned him a spot on Baseball America's prestigious All-MLB Team. He was also recognized for his offensive contributions with his first Silver Slugger Award at the shortstop position.
August 8, 2018: Lindor's Walk-off Home Run
Francisco Lindor hit a walk-off 3-run home run against the Minnesota Twins on August 8, 2018, leading the Cleveland Indians to a 5-2 victory.
2018: Consecutive AL Player of the Week Awards and AL Player of the Month
Lindor's stellar performance in May 2018 earned him consecutive AL Player of the Week awards and the AL Player of the Month honor, showcasing his offensive prowess with impressive hitting stats.
2019: Lindor's Continued Success
Francisco Lindor continued to excel in 2019, earning his second Gold Glove Award at shortstop, being named an All-Star, and finishing fifteenth in MVP voting.
2020: Lindor's Struggles with Cleveland
During the 2020 season, Francisco Lindor experienced a dip in his offensive performance with the Cleveland Indians, recording career lows in several batting statistics. Despite this, his defensive skills remained strong.
January 7, 2021: Lindor Traded to the Mets
In a significant trade on January 7, 2021, the Cleveland Indians sent Francisco Lindor and Carlos Carrasco to the New York Mets. In exchange, they received Amed Rosario, Andrés Giménez, Josh Wolf, and Isaiah Greene.
March 31, 2021: Lindor Signs with the Mets
Just before Opening Day on March 31, 2021, Francisco Lindor secured a substantial 10-year, $341 million contract extension with the New York Mets, ensuring his place on the team through 2031.
April 8, 2022: Lindor Hit by Pitch
During a game on April 8, 2022, Francisco Lindor was struck on the head by a pitch thrown by Steve Cishek.
May 31, 2022: Lindor Named NL Player of the Week
Francisco Lindor's outstanding performance, which included driving in runs in every game during the week of May 31, 2022, earned him the title of National League Player of the Week for the third time in his career.
December 6, 2022: Lindor Named to All-MLB Second Team
On December 6, 2022, Francisco Lindor was recognized for his impressive performance during the season by being named to the All-MLB Second Team.
October 11, 2023: Lindor Undergoes Elbow Surgery
Francisco Lindor had surgery on his right elbow on October 11, 2023, to address bone spurs.
2023: Lindor's Inside-the-Park Home Run
During the 2023 World Baseball Classic, Francisco Lindor hit an impressive inside-the-park home run, securing a win for Puerto Rico against the Dominican Republic and securing their spot in the quarterfinals.
2023: Joining the 30–30 Club
Lindor achieved a significant career milestone in 2023 by joining the exclusive 30–30 club, signifying a season with at least 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases.
2026: Puerto Rico Qualifies for World Baseball Classic
With their performance in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, the Puerto Rican team, including Francisco Lindor, secured their qualification for the 2026 tournament.
2031: End of Lindor's Mets Contract
Francisco Lindor's 10-year contract extension with the New York Mets, signed in 2021, is set to expire in 2031.