An average season from Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor completely changes the offense
An average season from Francisco Lindor would include a .278/.343/.478 slash line, 28 home runs, 85 RBI, 20 stolen bases, and Gold Glove-caliber defense. At least this is what he has averaged per 162 games in his seven big league seasons.
Lindor wasn’t close to his average self during the 2021 season. He finished with a .230/.322/.412 slash line, 20 home runs, 63 RBI, 10 stolen bases, and Gold Glove-caliber defense.
According to Meatloaf, two out of three ain’t bad. What does he think about one out of five?
Lindor did finish last season well with a .257/.346/.549 slash line in September/October. It was his most powerful month, too. He blasted 9 home runs (including 3 against the New York Yankees in one night) and added 25 RBI. The home run and RBI total were equal to or greater than the combination of any other month from his 2021 season.
The Mets can conceivably still win it all even if Lindor comes up shy to these averages from his career. Even a horrific season from him is possible to overcome if a lot of things swing their way. He is, after all, just one man.
It’s still hard to see the Mets landing in the Promised Land with Lindor limping there with them. At the very least, he needs to be closer to his own average performance. Otherwise, he may get a visit from the Boos of Citi Field Past.