On Monday, Francisco Lindor was awarded the Roberto Clemente Award, Major League Baseball’s highest off-field honor, which recognizes the philanthropic efforts of a single MLB player each year. That is a remarkable achievement for a remarkable man.
Lindor was one of the first big acquisitions of the Steve Cohen era, coming to the team in a trade with Cleveland prior to the 2021 season. At the time, it seemed like the Mets paid a high price, giving up Ahmed Rosario and Andres Gimenez plus a couple minor leaguers. Lindor later signed a a ten year, $350M deal with the team. Both Rosario and Gimenez have had reasonable major league careers, but neither became a star. Lindor, after a rough start, has been worth every penny of that deal in my opinion.
As a ballplayer, Lindor has delivered 30.8 fWAR since he came to the Mets which ranks him first in that period, well ahead of Brandon Nimmo's 23.1 total. Lindor has been a defensive standout, an on-the-field leader, and has been in the top 5 for OPS on the team every season except 2022.
It is tough to ask for more out of a player, though New York fans always want more. This year's Roberto Clemente award is definitely more. With all of the money earned by players in this era, there is a certain obligation to give back. Most players do, but as recognized this week, Francisco Lindor does the most.
Here is a link to the article published by MLB.com that announced the award. We should be proud to have such an inspirational player on the Mets.
For any of you that thinks Lindor is going to be traded, forget about it now.
ReplyDeleteIf he has another year in 2027 like he did in 2026, he ought to become philanthropic and donate half a salary back to the team. But, sarcasm aside, a worthwhile award congratulations
ReplyDeleteWhile we focus elsewhere, I saw Richard Neer congratulated the Brewers, a better team in a better league, in their win over the Rays. He then added:
ReplyDelete“It's hard to figure how things will go in the next month. Will free agent signings and trades flourish, or will owners keep a tight lid on their budgets?
Let's say the owners get their cap or a draconian penalty for exceeding a budget number. When would that kick in? If the Yankees are over that number, will they have to shed players, but pay them anyway? Will they get a three year window to comply?
My guess is that the aggressive high budget teams will seek to improve in the next month and worry about it later. And there is always the chance that the players will prevail and things won't change much.
Higher spenders will always have an advantage, even if there is a cap and floor. But that does not ensure success on the field.”
LET THE POST-POST-SEASON BEGIN! Everyone is 0-0 again.
IMO, no starter will sign until Skubal is put to bed.
DeleteLook for the Mets to try to bring home a Christmas present here.
I also saw this quote from the Rays’ Drew Rasmussen about the Brewers: I've said it a couple times to the guys, man, that's the best team I have played against at the major league level. I think this is my sixth or seventh season, and it's the best team I've ever played against.
DeleteAnother mountain for the Mets to overcome in their never-ending quest for a world championship, an incredible Brewers team. Can we switch leagues now?
The Mets are developing the lion-share of their future with talented team controlled players.
ReplyDeleteThis will allow for more super deals like Soto.
Obviously, Skubal will be another but don't expect Cohen to stop here before the lockout
The free agent list is weak, filled with old men, and pitchers with an injury history
DeleteAnother red meat addition will have to come via a trade with a team looking to dump salary before the strike.
The clock starts ticking today - windows opening up for signings and options very soon. Check the sidebar for dates.
ReplyDeleteI believe there will be a 🔐 out so I'm not sure how many of these dates will matter
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