As MLB Network continues their “Top 10 Right Now” series, the New York Mets remain very well represented. Yesterday it was Jeff McNeil, who was ranked as the No. 2 second baseman in baseball. Tonight it is Francisco Lindor getting some shine, as one of the best shortstops in MLB.
Here is MLB Network’s Top 10 Shortstops Right Now:
- Trevor Story
- Fernando Tatis
- Xander Bogaerts
- Francisco Lindor
- Trea Turner
- Corey Seager
- Carlos Correa
- Bo Bichette
- Javier Baez
- Tim Anderson
The Mets acquired Lindor in a trade last month, in a deal that sent incumbent shortstops Amed Rosario and Andres Gimenez to the Indians. Lindor becomes the first Mets shortstop since Jose Reyes that is widely considered among the best in the sport at his position.
Lindor’s ranking in the top 10 likely took a bit of a hit based on a somewhat down season in 2020. The 27-year-old hit .258/.335/.415, with a .750 OPS. This past season was the first year since his rookie campaign that Lindor did not receive any MVP votes.
Still, Lindor ranks about the best shortstops in baseball due to his great combination of stellar defense and potent offense.
The four-time All-Star has collected plenty of hardware in his young career, winning a pair of both Gold Gloves and Silver Sluggers. Across 3,510 career plate appearances, Lindor has hit .285/.346/.488, with a .833 OPS and a 117 OPS+.
Since 2017, Lindor has been worth 36 OAA at shortstop, while he has accumulated 46 defensive runs saved dating back to his rookie season in 2015.
Simply put, there are few players in baseball that can provide that level of production at such a premium position. It will be interesting to see what a bounce back season could do for Lindor when the MLB Network rankings come out next year.
