It’s been over a year since the New York Mets moved Francisco Lindor into the leadoff spot. Manager Carlos Mendoza made the move on May 18, 2024, and the 31-year-old shortstop has occupied the top of the batting order ever since. The decision jump-started Lindor’s season; after struggling out of the gate, Lindor went on to hit .304/.374/.554 for the remainder of the year and finished second in NL MVP voting. The Mets’ de facto captain then carried that momentum into 2025 by slashing .289/.360/.498 up to June 7, providing the team with a dynamic spark plug.