Francisco Lindor facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Francisco Lindor
Lindor with the Mets in 2024
New York Mets – No. 12
Shortstop
Born: (1993-11-14) November 14, 1993 (age 31) Caguas, Puerto Rico
Bats: Switch Throws: Right
debut
June 14, 2015, for the Cleveland Indians
MLB statistics (through July 27, 2025)
Batting average	.273
Hits	1,597
Home runs	268
Runs batted in	829
Stolen bases	202
Teams
Cleveland Indians (2015–2020) New York Mets (2021–present)
Career highlights and awards
MLB 5× All-Star (2016–2019, 2025) 3× All-MLB Second Team (2022–2024) 2× Gold Glove Award (2016, 2019) 4× Silver Slugger Award (2017, 2018, 2023, 2024) International All-World Baseball Classic Team (2017)
Medals Men's baseball Representing USA World Youth Baseball Championship Gold 2009 Taiwan Team Representing PUR World Baseball Classic Silver 2017 Los Angeles Team

Francisco Miguel Lindor Serrano (born November 14, 1993), often called "Mr. Smile", is a professional baseball player from Puerto Rico. He plays as a shortstop for the New York Mets in Major League Baseball (MLB). Before joining the Mets, he played for the Cleveland Indians. Lindor is a switch hitter, meaning he can bat from both sides of the plate. He throws with his right hand.

Lindor started playing baseball when he was very young in Caguas, Puerto Rico. When he was 12, he moved with his family to Florida. In 2011, the Indians chose him as their first pick in the MLB draft. He quickly became a top player in the minor leagues. Lindor joined the major leagues in 2015 and quickly became known for his great defense and hitting. He helped the Indians reach the 2016 World Series and has won many awards. These include five All-Star selections, two Gold Glove Awards for best defense, and four Silver Slugger Awards for best hitting at his position. In 2021, he was traded to the New York Mets. In 2023, he joined the exclusive 30–30 club by hitting 30 home runs and stealing 30 bases in one season.

Early Life and Baseball Dreams

Francisco Lindor was born in Caguas, Puerto Rico, on November 14, 1993. He was the third of four children. His father, Miguel Angel Lindor, helped him learn baseball from a young age. They would practice by hitting ground balls down a hill for Francisco to field. Lindor looked up to famous middle infielders like Derek Jeter and Roberto Alomar.

When he was 12, Lindor moved to Central Florida with his father, stepmother, and youngest sibling. He went to Montverde Academy, a special prep school. After he signed with the Cleveland Indians in 2011, his mother and older siblings also moved to Florida to be with him.

Journey to the Major Leagues

Starting His Professional Path

Lindor went to Montverde Academy in Montverde, Florida. The school even named its baseball field after him in 2013! He was a top high school baseball player. In the 2011 MLB draft, the Cleveland Indians picked him as the eighth player overall. Lindor had a scholarship offer to play college baseball, but he chose to sign with the Indians instead.

Playing in the Minor Leagues (2011–2015)

Lindor began his professional career in 2011 with a team called the Mahoning Valley Scrappers. Before the 2012 season, MLB.com said he was the 32nd best young player in baseball. He played for different minor league teams, like the Lake County Captains. He was even chosen to play in the All-Star Futures Game, which features baseball's rising stars. By 2013, Baseball America called him the Indians' best young player. He kept improving, showing off his hitting and base-stealing skills.

Major League Career with Cleveland

First Season (2015)

The Indians called Lindor up to the major leagues on June 14, 2015. He made his debut that day as a pinch hitter and got his first major league hit. He quickly showed how good he was, hitting very well in September and earning the American League Rookie of the Month award. He finished his first season with a .313 batting average and 12 home runs in just 99 games. He came in second place for the AL Rookie of the Year award.

Leading the Indians to the World Series (2016)

Lindor with the Indians during the 2016 World Series

In 2016, Lindor had an amazing season. He batted .301 with 15 home runs and 78 RBIs. He helped lead the Indians all the way to the 2016 World Series. During the playoffs, he set a record for most hits by a player under 23 years old. After the season, he won his first Gold Glove Award for being the best defensive shortstop. He also won the Platinum Glove Award, which goes to the best defensive player in his league.

Continued Success (2017)

Lindor with the Indians in 2017

On April 5, 2017, Lindor hit his first career grand slam, which is a home run with the bases loaded. Later that year, he hit his first walk-off home run, winning the game for his team in the final inning. In a playoff series against the New York Yankees, he hit another grand slam. He finished the season with 33 home runs and won his first Silver Slugger Award for his great hitting.

Big Hitting Year (2018)

Lindor started 2018 on fire, winning the AL Player of the Week award two weeks in a row. He had many games with multiple hits and home runs. In May, he was named the AL Player of the Month because of his outstanding performance. On July 2, he had a career-high seven RBIs in one game, including another grand slam. He was chosen for his third straight All-Star Game. He finished the season batting .277 and won his second Silver Slugger Award.

More Awards (2019)

Lindor with the Indians in 2019

On April 26, 2019, Lindor hit his 100th and 101st career home runs in one game. He was again an All-Star and won his second Gold Glove Award for his excellent defense at shortstop. He played in 143 games, hitting 32 home runs and stealing 22 bases.

Final Season with Cleveland (2020)

The 2020 season was shorter due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Lindor had a tougher time hitting, but his defense remained among the best in baseball.

Joining the New York Mets

On January 7, 2021, Lindor was traded to the New York Mets along with another player, Carlos Carrasco. This was a big move for both teams.

First Seasons with the Mets (2021–2022)

Lindor with the Mets in 2021

Just before the 2021 season started, Lindor signed a huge 10-year contract with the Mets. He had some ups and downs in his first year, but he showed his power by hitting three home runs in one game in September. In 2022, Lindor continued to shine. He set a new Mets record for most RBIs by a shortstop in a season. He also hit his 24th home run, setting a new Mets record for most home runs by a shortstop in a single season. He finished 2022 with 26 home runs and 107 RBIs. At the end of the season, he was recognized for his great character and leadership, winning the Marvin Miller Man of the Year Award.

Making History (2023)

Lindor with the Mets in 2023

On June 27, 2023, Lindor hit his 200th career home run. On July 6, he had an incredible game, getting five hits including two triples and a home run. He was the first shortstop in MLB history to do this! On September 27, Lindor hit three home runs in a single day, completing his first career 30–30 season. This means he hit 30 home runs and stole 30 bases in one season, a rare achievement. He won his third Silver Slugger Award after the season.

Recent Success (2024)

Lindor with the Mets in 2024

After a slow start in 2024, Lindor moved to the leadoff spot in the batting order and started hitting much better. On August 21, he hit his 25th home run, becoming the first shortstop in MLB history to have three seasons with at least 25 home runs and 25 stolen bases. He was named National League Player of the Week in late August. On September 3, he hit his 30th home run of the season, joining only two other shortstops in MLB history with five or more seasons of 30 home runs. He also stole his 26th base that day.

Lindor helped the Mets reach the playoffs in 2024. In a playoff game against the Philadelphia Phillies, he hit a grand slam that helped the Mets win and move on to the next round. He finished the 2024 season with 33 home runs and 29 stolen bases. After the season, he won his fourth Silver Slugger Award and was a finalist for the National League MVP award, finishing second.

Starting Strong (2025)

On April 7, 2025, Lindor got his 1,500th career hit. A few days later, on April 18, he hit his first walk-off home run as a Met, winning the game for his team. This was also his 250th career home run. On April 21, he had his 20th game with multiple home runs, a rare feat for a shortstop. On June 1, he hit his 261st home run, passing Derek Jeter for fifth all-time among shortstops.

Even after breaking his pinky toe in June, Lindor quickly returned to play. On July 2, he was chosen as the starting shortstop for the 2025 Major League Baseball All-Star Game, his fifth All-Star selection overall. On July 12, he stole his 200th career base, making him only the third shortstop in MLB history with both 200 home runs and 200 stolen bases.

Playing for His Country

World Junior Baseball Championship (2010)

In 2010, Lindor played for the United States 18U team in the World Junior Baseball Championship. He was named to the All-IBAF Juniors Team as a shortstop.

World Baseball Classic (2017)

Lindor played for the Puerto Rican national team in the 2017 World Baseball Classic (WBC). He was named the MVP of his pool, helping Puerto Rico go undefeated in the early rounds. Puerto Rico made it all the way to the championship game before losing to the United States. Lindor was named to the All-WBC team for his great performance.

World Baseball Classic (2023)

Lindor played for Puerto Rico again in the 2023 World Baseball Classic and was chosen as the team captain. He played very well, helping Puerto Rico beat the Dominican Republic and move on to the quarterfinals. This win also meant Puerto Rico qualified for the next WBC in 2026.

World Baseball Classic (2026)

Lindor will be the team captain for Puerto Rico again in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

Personal Life

Francisco Lindor married Katia Reguero on December 16, 2021. They have three children together.

Awards and Achievements

Records and Milestones

• 30–30 club (2023)
• Most career postseason grand slams (2)
• Most seasons with 25 home runs and 25 stolen bases as a shortstop (3)

Statistical achievements

Note: Through 2024 season. Per Baseball-Reference.com.

See also

In Spanish: Francisco Lindor para niños

• Cleveland Indians award winners and league leaders
• New York Mets award winners and league leaders
• List of Major League Baseball annual runs scored leaders
• List of Major League Baseball players from Puerto Rico