The New York Mets revealed some worrisome injury news on Tuesday about one of their most important players, Francisco Lindor.
Spring training for the NY Mets’ 2026 season officially begins on Wednesday. However, Tuesday delivered an eventful day before pitchers and catchers have their first practice tomorrow. One of the most notable pieces of news that emerged had to do with their starting shortstop.
According to NY Mets President David Stearns, Francisco Lindor is scheduled to be examined tomorrow for a stress reaction in the hamate bone of his left hand. The bone is located below the pinky and ring finger.
The team executive revealed that surgery may be required, and it could mean the five-time All-Star misses Opening Day for a procedure that can take six weeks to recover from.
Juan Soto is moving to left field
The Lindor news is just where the NY Mets news dump on Tuesday begins. While the star shortstop could miss the next month and a half, their top star, Juan Soto, is gearing up to play for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic.
In the WBC, Soto will play left field instead of his traditional spot in right. He has been practicing there recently, and it seems he has enjoyed it so much that it will be his new position for the Mets in 2026.
“Over the last month or so, as [Manager Carlos Mendoza] and Juan were talking about the season, Juan was working out in left field because he’s gonna play left field for the DR in the WBC,” Stearns told the media on Tuesday.
“As they had their conversations, he felt really comfortable there. It made sense for us from a roster perspective [to move him from right to left]. So we’re gonna go forward with it, and everyone is on board with it.”
NY Mets trade for a lengthy lefty
Along with the news about current members of the roster, the NY Mets also made an interesting trade today. The club is acquiring the rights to veteran reliever Bryan Hudson from the Chicago White Sox for cash considerations.
Hudson had a miserable season in 2025, appearing in just 16 games for the White Sox and Brewers, posting a 4.80 ERA. Due to his poor season last year, he wasn’t in Chicago’s long-term plans and was designated for assignment last week. That is why New York was able to get him for cash.
While expectations aren’t high for the 28-year-old, he was outstanding for Milwaukee in 2024. That year, he had a 1.73 ERA with 62 strikeouts in 62.1 innings pitched. The 6-foot-8 lefty has a lot of potential and is a low-cost, high-upside addition.
