NY Mets dream starting lineup for the 2022 season

Francisco Lindor – SS

It was a disappointing first season in New York. There is no denying that. It took two months for Lindor to show up offensively and his struggles are definitely a reason the Mets missed the playoffs.

Lindor slashed .230/.322/.412 with 20 home runs and 63 RBI. From Opening Day through May 27, Lindor slashed .178/.288/.261 with three home runs and 9 RBI. From that moment through the end of the season, those numbers improved dramatically to .258/.341/.492 with 17 home runs and 54 RBI.

His .833 OPS in that span is actually better than his career mark of .821.

As the season progressed, Lindor looked more and more like himself at the plate which was amazing to see.

In 2022, I expect to see the Lindor who finished out the season strong. Lindor had 9 home runs and 25 RBI in September. He was coming through in big spots and was one of, if not the best hitter in the lineup.

Out of the number two spot, I expect Lindor to provide a little bit of everything. He’s capable of hitting 30 home runs in a season. He hit 30+ home runs from 2017-2019 including hitting as many as 38.

He’s capable of stealing bases. He’s stolen as many as 25 in a season. For a Mets team lacking speed and base stealing that will be useful.

Lindor’s best tool is his ability to stay on the field. This season he missed time due to an oblique injury but he’s usually a guy who can be relied upon to play every day.

He played in all 60 games in the shortened 2020 season and played in 140+ games in all of his other full seasons in the major leagues.

For a team that seemingly deals with too many injuries every year, having Lindor stay healthy is crucial.