Mets’ fans boo All-Star Francisco Lindor amid offensive struggles

Mar 2, 2021; Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA; New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) throws to first base against the Houston Astros during the third inning at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

When the New York Mets traded for Francisco Lindor (and starter Carlos Carrasco), fans envisioned highly competitive offense coupled with his trademark, elite defense. The combination, they hoped, would get the team off to a fast start and solidify an already excellent offense.

The sentiment increased when the Mets signed Lindor to a record-breaking extension – a $341 million commitment, no less – just before the season started, just like he asked: no negotiating once the campaign started.

Yet, the new face of the Mets has gotten off to a slow start at the plate. After Tuesday’s games, the All-Star shortstop was batting a meager .212/.321/.273 with only one home run and no stolen bases so far.

His defense has been mostly good, but the bat hasn’t gotten going and the Mets’ fans, impatient and frustrated, booed their star after Tuesday’s loss to the Boston Red Sox.

The Mets’ offense has been mostly absent

To be fair, the Mets have several slumping players, not just Lindor. Michael Conforto has only recently started to heat up, but was a mess to begin the year. James McCann, Dominic Smith, Jeff McNeil, and others have also struggled.

Yet Lindor is, perhaps unfairly, the scapegoat given his large contract and his status as one of the game’s very best players.

The Mets’ offense has been among the league’s worst so far, with only three runs per game and lots of missed opportunities when it comes to taking advantage of men on base.

Mets’ manager Luis Rojas offered his analysis on Lindor’s current slump. “Watching him in camp, how good he swung the bat in camp, I just feel that he’s one swing away, one at-bat away,” he said to MLB.com. “I keep saying it, because he’s got good body control, he’s got a good feel of what he’s doing there. Right now, his swing is just a little off.”

With such supremely talented players like Lindor, it is always a matter of time. Yet, Mets’ fans are growing impatient.