Mandatory Credit: Mary Holt-USA TODAY Sports

Francisco Lindor met with the media Monday for the first time since arriving to Clover Park in Port Saint Lucie.  The Mets had their first full-squad workouts Monday.

“It’s been great so far,” stated Lindor on what it’s been like getting acclimated to a new team and new teammates. Lindor emphasized that he can’t say enough about how good the players and staff have been so far to Lindor during his first few days at camp. He said right now the biggest adjustment has been getting into a routine, knowing when to be at the field, how to get to each individual field at Clover Park, knowing when to eat, when to be in the clubhouse, little adjustments like that.

In the past few weeks there has been quite a bit of talk in the media about Lindor and the Mets talking extension. Lindor said that while there is mutual interest in an extension and being with the Mets long-term, there have been no conversations yet about extensions.

“I’m just trying to get to know everyone and do things the right way. It’s too early I think.” He has said he does not want extension talks to bleed into opening day.

“We have duties as players, to show up and win. It would be unfair to me and the rest of the team to have an ongoing conversation about extending and my mind be distracted. Our duty is to show up (on opening day) and play our best that day and that’s what our mind needs to be focused on.”

Courtesy of Mets Twitter Account

Lindor says he’s focused on his craft, getting to know his teammates, and playing well right now, stating that it’s important to separate doing your job, being a dad and a family man, and extension talk.

“That’s what life is all about. When you can separate all those things, life is good.”

Lindor also recently became a member of the MLBPA executive committee, saying he did so to be able to impact the game off of the field as well as on the field. “Being in the player’s association, it’s huge. Being able to impact the game, not just on the field, but also off the field.”

He spoke on issues that need to be corrected in the game, one being analytics. “Analytics is taking over the game too much. They’re great for preparation, for the odds, but they don’t need to take over the game. It’s just not right. Let the players play the game.”

Lindor used the example of a pitcher being taken out too early because of analytics. “As a competitor, you want to go out there and beat the opponent. Determination says a lot. Analytics are good, but to a certain extent.”

Lindor stated during his press conference that excited to be with the Mets and the group of great hitters they have in the lineup, including Tomas Nido, who Lindor grew up playing with. He also stated he is excited to play with Jeff McNeil and looks forward to turning double plays in the infield alongside McNeil. “Today was the first day we took ground balls together. It’s different. Every double play partner is different. I just have to get used to his arm and know where my double play position needs to be,” stated Lindor.

Lindor described the Mets organization as a team that wants to win, and one that takes winnings very seriously, stating he’s excited for the 2021 season and to have the support of the Mets’ fan-base, which is much wider than he expected. “People are great Mets fans. I didn’t know there were that many Mets fans. Anytime someone recognizes me, they say they love the Mets.”