Former Guardian Jason Kipnis Appears To Be Questioning Mets’ Francisco Lindor’s Leadership
In 2023, Francisco Lindor and the New York Mets had trouble. Despite having the largest salary in baseball and a mostly healthy squad, they are now in third place, six games behind the Atlanta Braves, and their record has dropped to 20–22.
Former Guardian Jason Kipnis Appears To Be Questioning Francisco Lindor’s Leadership
Jason Kipnis, a former MLB All-Star who spent much of his career with the Cleveland Indians (now the Guardians), thinks the Mets’ rocky start to this season may be due to a lack of leadership. According to Twitter user Foul Territory, Kipnis even seemed to challenge Francisco Lindor’s leadership after the two were teammates in Cleveland.
https://twitter.com/celevlandsport1/status/1658631804029652992?s=20
With a 104 wRC+ and 1.3 fWAR over average thus far, Lindor has performed admirably. However, it’s not what the Mets anticipated after a 127 wRC+ and 6.8 fWAR season in 2017. However, he’s been far from the problem.
.@TheJK_Kid on the Mets: "All those veterans and no leadership."@aj_pierzynskiFT: "You played with Lindor. Was he a leader?"
Kip: "I'm gonna repeat it again…" 😬 #FTLive pic.twitter.com/I0xiJUtOAO
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) May 16, 2023
Former MLB All-Star Jason Kipnis responded to the question of why the Mets were having trouble via ClutchPoints:
“All those veterans, and no leadership.”
The shortstop stated, when questioned particularly about Lindor, with whom he had previously shared a team in Cleveland,
“I’m gonna repeat it again, all those veterans and no leadership.”
Francisco Lindor was smooth here with the glove, but liked how he earlier went to calm Carrasco down (w/ the young catcher Alvarez there to observe) — then picked him up w/ this DP. That’s leadership. pic.twitter.com/o78Rmzs8IW#Mets #LGM
— 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐲 𝐑𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 (@TonyRushingNY) April 9, 2023
Kipnis seems to be placing the burden completely on Lindor’s shoulders without explicitly stating so. He’s one of several MLB veterans on the squad and has played for nine seasons. What is lacking when the skill is present? The former MLB player believes in leadership.
A 2-run home run from Francisco Lindor makes this a 1-run game! pic.twitter.com/aGzijRBfsV
— SNY (@SNYtv) May 10, 2023
In the middle of the 2010s, Francisco Lindor and Jason Kipnis both played major roles for Cleveland. Prior to losing a 3-1 lead against the Chicago Cubs in the Fall Classic, they had guided the team to the 2016 World Series. In any case, it is unexpected to learn that Kipnis thinks this way. Although he didn’t specifically mention Lindor, it appears like he is casting doubt on the leadership of his former comrade.
Francisco Lindor this season:
16 singles
20 XBH (14 2B & 6 HR)Lindor is tied for 3rd in the NL in extra base hits this season. #LGM pic.twitter.com/cb5bnR5Fwn
— NYM Stats (@nym_stats) May 16, 2023
The New York Mets are not in a poor situation overall. They are currently struggling and behind in the division. They still have six games left, though. They are thrust into the action after a string of successful series.
NL RBI leaders:
1. Sean Murphy 32
T2. FRANCISCO LINDOR 31
T2. PETE ALONSO 31 pic.twitter.com/jpZjivOAIw— NYM Stats (@nym_stats) May 14, 2023
That comes as a surprise considering the roster’s other stars, including Max Scherzer, Justin Verlander, Pete Alonso, Jeff McNeil, and Starling Marte. However, the Mets have a veteran roster that ought to be able to turn things around.
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