Francisco Lindor has been named the winner of the 2026 Roberto Clemente Award presented by Capital One. The award is given each year to the player who best represents the game of baseball through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions on and off the field. This is Lindor’s first time winning the award. Previous Mets to win the award include Curtis Granderson (2016), Carlos Delgado (2006), Al Leiter (2000) and Gary Carter (1989). Lindor also becomes the fifth Puerto Rican to win the award, joining Yadier Molina (2018), Carlos Beltrán (2013), Delgado and Edgar Martinez (2004).
In honor of Lindor, Capital One will donate $100,000 to SEEN, an organization close to Francisco and his wife, Katia, whom they work with to make a meaningful stamp on the lives of people. Lindor will be honored prior to Game 3 of the World Series in St. Petersburg on Monday night.
Lindor’s community contributions include partnering with New Balance for the launch of Lindor’s Leaders, which is a year-long leadership development program for students in Bayside High School’s Sports Medicine Program. Lindor also collaborated with Dairy Queen for Miracle Treat Day, which helped raise funds for local children’s hospitals. He also remains committed to helping students at Montverde Academy, which he attended for middle school and high school. He established the Francisco Lindor Scholarship Fund, providing opportunities for those who need financial aid to attend the school. Since 2020, Lindor has also donated over $1 million to help fund Lindor Hall, which is a two-story middle school building on Montverde’s campus. Additionally, he has donated baseball equipment to the school’s team.
Lindor has also shown a deep commitment to his native Puerto Rico, providing financial support for disaster relief and helping restore athletic facilities in his hometown of Caguas. He has also partnered with organizations, including the Amazin’ Mets Foundation, to hold youth baseball clinics in Puerto Rico.
In Queens, Lindor and New Balance provide students with backpacks and school supplies as part of a back-to-school initiative every year. He also started Lindor Smile Tuesdays in 2024, which welcomes youth organizations to Citi Field for educational experiences that inspire healthy habits while celebrating the game of baseball. Additionally, Lindor is dedicated to growing the game of baseball, making it more accessible and inclusive for all. He participates in the Mets’ Clinic for Champions with Special Olympics Florida and hosts the Lindor Clinic for Kids for local youth baseball leagues and Boys and Girls Clubs.
