There has been much to talk about the New York Mets this season as they continue to fail everyone’s expectations despite being MLB’s 2026 payroll leader. One issue, more prominent than others, is the team’s chemistry, with Francisco Lindor at center.
Signed to a 10-year, $341 million contract in March 2021, the Mets shortstop has been in the news for his lackluster chemistry with other fellow All-Stars like Juan Soto and former Mets first baseman Pete Alonso. According to Mets analyst Frank Fleming, the shortstop might be the team’s biggest headache.
“It’s called the common denominator, and it’s Lindor,” Fleming said. “Lindor doesn’t like McNeil. Lindor doesn’t like Nimmo. Lindor didn’t like Alonso. Lindor doesn’t like Soto. You know what? You know what that means? That means Lindor is the problem. If he has a problem with everybody, then he’s the problem.”
By saying so, Fleming might be suggesting to the Mets that if the team wants to get over bonding issues, then it must move Lindor at the trade deadline.
The issue about chemistry reignited after Mets owner Steve Cohen acknowledged that Soto and Lindor didn’t share a good relationship in 2025. However, he ensured that things are much better this season, at least in that particular area. Soto and Lindor have also echoed similar sentiments.
Francisco Lindor Emerging As Trade Candidate For Mets
Francisco Lindor’s performance has been one of the many reasons the Mets are sitting at the bottom of the NL East division with a 41-57 record. With playoff hopes flickering with every passing day, the team could trigger a sell-off.
If that were to happen, there could be numerous permutations and combinations with respect to every player. According to Heavy’s AJ Stone, the Mets are hearing offers for everyone other than Carson Benge, Juan Soto, Christian Scott, AJ Ewing, and Nolan McLean.
This would mean Lindor and even Bo Bichette are part of trade conversations.
The shortstop has not done well this season, slashing only .210/.291/.363 with a .654 OPS and an OPS+ of 82. The Mets could prioritize the future rather than believe Lindor could turn things around in the near future.
Stone also reflected that if Lindor were “officially available” on the trade market, then the New York Yankees would be among the genuinely interested parties.
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