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Mets’ Francisco Lindor Set to Face Former Team in Cleveland: A High-Stakes Reunion
Francisco Lindor’s return to Cleveland is set to be a significant moment for both the player and his former team. As Lindor and the New York Mets prepare to face the American League Central-leading Guardians, the spotlight is on the shortstop to deliver a much-needed offensive boost. This reunion marks Lindor’s first game in Cleveland since his trade three years ago, setting the stage for an emotional and high-stakes series.
Lindor’s Tenure with Cleveland
During his time with Cleveland from 2015 to 2020, Lindor became the face of the franchise. He slashed .285/.346/.488, hit 138 homers, drove in 411 runs, and stole 99 bases. His dynamic performance and charismatic presence made him a beloved figure among Cleveland fans. However, financial constraints led to his trade to the Mets in January 2021, as the organization couldn’t afford to renew his contract.
Transition to the Mets
Following his trade, Lindor signed a 10-year, $341 million deal with the Mets. Despite the hefty contract, he has struggled to replicate his Cleveland success, hitting no better than .270, managing only one 30-homer season, and accumulating 270 strikeouts across the 2022 and 2023 seasons.
Current Season Struggles
This season, Lindor is batting just .197 with seven homers and 22 RBIs in 46 games. His 32 strikeouts highlight his ongoing struggles at the plate. Despite these challenges, Lindor had a standout moment nearly a year ago, delivering a walk-off RBI single in a 10-9 home win against Cleveland.
Emotional Ties to Cleveland
Lindor has expressed deep affection for Cleveland, stating, “They mean a lot… They’re the team that raised me. I care about them a lot. I love them.” His return to Progressive Field will be an emotional event, with fans eagerly anticipating his performance against his former team.
The Guardians’ Momentum
The Guardians are currently on a hot streak, winning six of their last seven games and boasting a 13-3 stretch at home. First-year manager Stephen Vogt credits the team’s chemistry and resilience, stating, “This group loves each other. We’ve won enough games now—come from behind, down early, lead the whole way—where we believe we can win. And that’s what’s powerful.”
Recent Performances and Key Players
In their recent games, Cleveland has shown impressive form, including a dramatic 5-2 win over Minnesota, sealed by Will Brennan’s walk-off three-run homer. Andres Gimenez, part of the Lindor trade, has been particularly effective, batting .464 with eight RBIs during a seven-game hitting streak.
Pitching Matchups
For the upcoming series, the Mets will start Tylor Megill, who returns after a shoulder issue cut short his season debut. Megill, with a 0-1 record and a 2.25 ERA, has never faced the Guardians. On the other side, Ben Lively will start for Cleveland. Lively, with a 2-2 record and a 3.06 ERA, has performed well at home, yielding only two runs over 12 1/3 innings in his two home starts this season. Historically, Lively has a strong track record against the Mets, with a 2.25 ERA in five appearances.
Anticipating Fan Reactions
It will be interesting to observe how Cleveland fans react to Lindor. Their former star, now an opponent, will undoubtedly evoke mixed emotions. His performance in this series could shape the narrative of his return—will he reignite his offensive spark or continue to struggle?
Conclusion
Francisco Lindor’s return to Cleveland is more than just another series—it’s a homecoming filled with emotional undercurrents and professional challenges. As the Mets face off against the Guardians, all eyes will be on Lindor to see if he can turn his season around and remind fans of the player who once lit up Progressive Field. This series not only holds personal significance for Lindor but also carries implications for the Mets’ and Guardians’ standings in their respective leagues.
