Even when the New York Mets stumbled short of October baseball, Francisco Lindor never stopped shining. The shortstop, who finished as the 2024 NL MVP runner-up, followed up with another dynamic season in 2025—one that proved consistency can be just as valuable as fireworks.
Lindor may not have matched the historic pace of his previous campaign, but he once again reminded fans why he’s the heartbeat of the Mets. The switch-hitting star logged his second career 30-30 season, launching 31 home runs and swiping 31 bags—a feat few players in modern baseball achieve. For a team that struggled to find rhythm, Lindor’s energy was the metronome, keeping New York competitive through long stretches despite a summer slump.
A Leader Who Rarely Takes a Break
It’s easy to overlook just how durable Francisco Lindor has been. Over the past several seasons, he’s been among baseball’s leaders in both games played and plate appearances, often taking the field even when others would rest. That relentless drive defines him—not just as a player, but as a teammate.
The 2025 offseason would seem like a perfect time to finally exhale. Yet, true to form, Lindor might not be slowing down at all. Reports suggest the Mets superstar is considering a return to his roots by playing winter ball in Puerto Rico for the Criollos de Caguas in the Liga de Béisbol Profesional Roberto Clemente (LBPRC).
According to The Baseball Aficionado on Instagram, Lindor could suit up for around 10 to 12 games in December. Fireside Mets later echoed the report on X (formerly Twitter), sending fans in Puerto Rico into a frenzy of anticipation.
Bringing the Game Home
For Lindor, the idea of playing in Puerto Rico isn’t just about staying sharp—it’s deeply personal. Born in Caguas, the same city where the Criollos play, Lindor grew up idolizing the winter league stars who once donned the same uniform. A short stint there would be more than a tune-up; it would be a homecoming.
If he takes the field for Caguas, it would also serve as preparation for an intense year ahead. With the 2026 World Baseball Classic scheduled for March, followed by another grueling MLB season, Lindor could use the winter games to stay in rhythm. It would be a calculated move, much like a seasoned violinist fine-tuning his instrument before a grand performance.
Still, the reports remain unconfirmed, and for now, the idea of Lindor playing in the LBPRC exists somewhere between dream and possibility. Yet the emotional pull of home—and the chance to inspire young Puerto Rican players firsthand—makes the rumor all the more compelling.
Even in a “Down” Year, Lindor Was Elite
Statistically speaking, Francisco Lindor’s 2025 season was anything but ordinary. He scored 117 runs, produced a stellar 129 wRC+, and posted a 6.3 fWAR—numbers that most stars would envy. Even if it was a small dip from his 7.1 fWAR performance in 2024, it underscored his remarkable consistency and all-around excellence.
Lindor continues to be one of baseball’s rare true five-tool players: a switch-hitter with power, speed, defense, and leadership that elevates those around him. He was, in many ways, the steady heartbeat of a Mets team still trying to rediscover its identity.
The Next Chapter Awaits
Whether or not he suits up this winter, Francisco Lindor’s story remains one of constant evolution—a star who never stops striving to be better. For Mets fans, his offseason decisions will be followed closely. And for Puerto Rico, the possibility of seeing one of its favorite sons return home, even for a handful of games, would be a moment worth savoring.
Lindor’s journey continues to remind us that greatness isn’t only measured in awards or wins, but in the unwavering rhythm of effort, passion, and pride he brings to the diamond every single day.