The tale of the New York Mets’ 2024 season is one of a turnaround. Early on in the year, it seemed that the team was doomed for another down season — but they got things together and are now squarely involved in the playoff race.
Not many expected the Mets to contend this season but New York has pulled through no matter the adversity faced. A lot of this can be attributed to both the play and leadership of star shortstop Francisco Lindor.
He was moved to the leadoff spot on May 18 and it took a minute for things to adjust. New York sat with a record of 24-35 two weeks after the move but have since gone 45-29 to fuel their run.
He sat down with MLB insider Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic for an exclusive interview and was asked about the turnaround. In late May, Lindor called a team meeting to go over the struggles the team had seen.
It has been credited with helping the Mets get back on track. He was asked about why the meeting was called in the first place.
“That allowed me to hold guys accountable, and for them to hold me accountable as well. We looked at each other in the eyes and said, “We’ve got to go. We’ve got to get this done. We’ve got to do whatever it takes to make sure we are moving in the right direction. And we’ve got to start by looking at each other’s process and holding each other accountable.”
Lindor has done everything for the Mets this season and it has translated to winning on the field. For the year, he has hit .270 with 28 home runs and 79 runs batted in.
SAN DIEGO, CA – AUGUST 22: Francisco Lindor #12 of the New York Mets celebrates after beating the San Diego Padres 8-3 in a baseball game August 22, 2024 at Petco Park in San Diego, California. Lindor helped the Mets turnaround their season with a called team meeting.
Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images
But it’s his leadership that has taken a step forward. Not just with the meeting being called but with Lindor going the extra mile for his teammates.
Rosenthal asked him how he has evolved as a leader since his first days in MLB.
“More vocal. That’s probably the only thing I’ve done different. I’ve learned over the years that with certain groups, certain teams, I’ve got to be the vocal one. I’ve got to be like, “Hey, this team needs somebody to be talking a little bit more. This team needs someone who is going to be more like, ‘How are you doing today? How are you feeling? You don’t look right. Are you OK?’ Or, ‘You look fantastic. Keep it up.'” This team needed that. And that’s what I’ve done. That’s how I’ve evolved.”
Behind Lindor, New York has a chance to get themselves back to the postseason. They currently own a record of 70-64 and have a series against the lowly Chicago White Sox coming up this weekend.
There is still work to be done but if New York can get into the postseason, then anything can happen.
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