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MLB league-leading stat shows NY Mets star Francisco Lindor hits when it matters most

Francisco Lindor has been one of the league's best hitters this season when it matters most.
ByTim Boyle|
Jun 2, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) rounds the bases during the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the first inning against the New York Mets at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images
Jun 2, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) rounds the bases during the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the first inning against the New York Mets at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images | Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images

A look at the late/close stats this season in Major League Baseball shows us a much different picture of what Francisco Lindor is accomplishing out of the leadoff spot. The first to bat for the New York Mets each and every time, he’s the table setting star whose ability to put the team ahead 1-0 early is a weapon not every ball club has.

Lindor is one of the best all-around players in the game with the ability to win games for his team in just about every way possible. When things are late/close, Lindor has been the best RBI machine in the entire league. Heading into Tuesday, his 12 RBI in these situations was tied with Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Yandy Diaz for the most. His 4 home runs trail only Kyle Schwarber (6) and Cal Raleigh (5).

Francisco Lindor is one of the league's best run producers when it counts most

An inability to hit with runners in scoring position this season stalled the Mets from building up a bigger lead in the NL East. Lindor remains abysmal in those situations. Just 10 for 52, his .192 batting average and .612 OPS has been a detriment for the team. He’s far from the lone culprit. Only Pete Alonso and Luis Torrens are regularly hitting with runners in scoring position. Joining them with some regular hits in those spots are Tyrone Taylor and Brett Baty.

Those absent at-bats from Lindor with runners in scoring position haven’t held him back from coming up huge late in games. The game-winning hit on Monday added to his league-leading total of a dozen runs batted in with the leverage at its highest. In the seventh inning or later, he leads the league with 23 RBI. It’s 4 more than the second-place player in MLB, Rafael Devers with 19.

A player’s reputation is as much about the “what” as it is the “when.” Hollowed RBI numbers in meaningless games will have fans thinking the pressure gets to the athlete. Not Lindor. When the Mets require a big hit late, he’s coming through.

Second to Corbin Carroll and Shohei Ohtani in leadoff home runs (in an inning, not the game) with 9 versus their 10, Lindor’s .330 batting average is 50 points higher than Carroll’s to begin a game and 40 above Ohtani. His 30 hits lead the way.

An easy conclusion can be drawn here. When it counts, whether at the beginning or end of games, Lindor is as reliable as it gets.

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