Mets' Star Player Francisco Lindor Supports Steve Cohen's Anti-Captain Decision
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- Francisco Lindor, the longest-tenured New York Mets player, expressed his respect for Steve Cohen's stance on eliminating the team captain position. Lindor, a five-time All-Star and key leader on the team, believes that the decision is a reflection of Cohen's front-office philosophy.
In an interview with MLB.com, Lindor stated, 'I respect it. It's definitely a Steve Cohen decision. Whether I'm named captain or not, my approach to the game remains consistent. This isn't something that will change my mindset. I'm glad he made this decision, so we can move on from the discussion.'
The Mets are entering a new era under manager Carlos Mendoza, having let go of popular players like Pete Alonso and Edwin Diaz. The team also traded away Brandon Nimmo and Jeff McNeil, indicating a shift in strategy.
Cohen's reasoning behind the captainless approach is rooted in his belief that the locker room should determine its own dynamics. He stated, 'It's my personal view on how I envision a locker room. Each year, the team is different, and I prefer to let the players figure out their leadership roles organically.'
The Mets have had only four captains in their history: Keith Hernandez, Gary Carter, John Franco, and David Wright. Lindor, who is often regarded as a natural leader, supports Cohen's decision, stating, 'I understand it and am on board. We have leaders without the captain designation. Let's focus on baseball and winning.'
Despite his leadership qualities, Lindor is currently recovering from surgery to repair a broken hamate bone in his left hand, which may impact his availability at the start of the season. He had a productive 2025 season, leading the MLB with 762 plate appearances, hitting .267 with 31 homers, 86 RBIs, and 31 steals.
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