NY Mets adjustment pays off with Francisco Lindor giving credit to an unlikely source

Fans naturally notice the hits, the runs, and the pitching changes. These are the obvious parts of the game that get talked about most. But sometimes what matters more is how New York Mets players interact and respond to what is happening in real time. These moments do not show up in the box score, but they can still shape the outcome in meaningful ways.

Tonight, the Amazins' showed exactly that. After the game, it came out that some of the starting pitchers talked with Francisco Lindor about what to expect from the Milwaukee Brewers’ rookie and shared ideas about hitting and pitching strategies. Along with a lineup change that moved Lindor to hit in front of Juan Soto, it suggests the team is looking for new ways to gain an edge, even if those efforts do not make the usual headlines.

The NY Mets may have revealed a new edge in their preparation, communication, and adjustment as a group.

Between games, Francisco Lindor took some extra time with the Mets’ starting pitchers, picking their brains about what to expect from the electric Brewers rookie Jacob Misiorowski. These conversations about hitting and pitching strategies don’t make the highlight reels, but they reveal a team growing smarter and more connected behind the scenes.

That kind of team-first attitude shows up in the lineup, too. With Lindor mired in a rough patch, manager Carlos Mendoza moved him down one spot in the order, slotting him in front of Juan Soto. Mendoza noted how easy it is to make moves like this when players like Lindor and Nimmo are willing to do whatever it takes for the team — no drama, just flexibility.

The numbers back up Mendoza’s call. Since Soto shifted to the three-spot on May 21, Nimmo has been locked in, hitting .323 with a .969 OPS, six homers, and 13 RBIs from the second spot. Lindor’s stats tell a clearer story: when hitting ahead of Soto, he hits 280 with a .811 OPS, nine homers, 28 RBIs, and 29 runs scored in 193 at-bats. Away from that spot, those numbers drop to .229 with a .723 OPS, seven homers, 15 RBIs, and 22 runs scored in 140 at-bats. Those don’t include tonight, when Lindor backed up the move by going 3-for-4 with a home run and three RBIs, making it clear this lineup tweak might already be paying off.

They say insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. Tonight, the Mets avoided that trap by making smart adjustments and leaning into teamwork. Instead of sticking with what wasn’t working, they shifted gears—showing a willingness to change course when it counts. If they keep that mindset, breaking old habits might lead to better outcomes down the road.