If the Mets aren’t able to block him with an extension, Francisco Lindor could find out the next offseason exactly where he is among the best short points in the game.
Meanwhile, the new Mets superstar thinks he already knows the answer.
“Overall? Me,” Lindor told Sports Illustrated when asked who was the best shortstop. “Because I’ll do it every day. I rely on myself every day. Every day. Trevor Story?” I like to look at him We are talking about kick and defense The best hands in the shortstop position right now are Freddy Galvis and Andrelton Simmons The best batsman? [Corey] Seager is at his level, I think he is the best hitter.
“If we go instrument by instrument, many of them are better than me. [Fernando] Tatis [Jr.]? It’s incredible. And [Javier] Báez? I’ve been playing against Báez since I was growing up, and it’s like, “Bro, how are you?”
“There is an excellent balance between being confident and being upset. Sometimes it’s hard for me to recognize who the best shortstop is. Why? Because of this fine balance. I am confident. I think I’m the best shortstop. ”
The Mets hope to sign Lindor for an extension before becoming a free agent next winter, after they traded for him and Carlos Carrasco in a deal with the Indians in January.
But if Lindor hits the open market, it would join a class full of free agent star shortstops, which is expected to include Seager, Story, Baez and Carlos Correa.
For now, 27-year-old Lindor – a four-time All-Star, twice shortstop Gold Glove and twice Silver Slugger – is gearing up for the 2021 season, her first Mets uniform after a year down during shortened year 2020.