Francisco Lindor

Francisco Lindor's Biography

Francisco Miguel Lindor Serrano was born on November 14, 1993, in Caguas, Puerto Rico. At a young age, he developed a passion for baseball, assisted by his father, Miguel Angel Lindor, who would hit him ground balls from the top of a hill, creating tough opportunities for his son to field. As a child, Francisco Lindor admired middle infielders such as Robbie Alomar, Omar Vizquel, Derek Jeter, Jimmy Rollins, and Barry Larkin. Today, he is renowned as a Puerto Rican professional baseball shortstop and is often nicknamed “Mr. Smile.”

When Lindor turned 12 years old, he moved with his family to Central Florida. He was enrolled at the Montverde Academy prep school where he soon started making waves in the field of baseball. The school even named the baseball facility after him in 2013. Lindor was picked by the Cleveland Indians as their first-round selection, and eighth overall, in the 2011 MLB draft, with an exciting full-ride scholarship offer in place with the Florida State Seminoles baseball team. However, captured by his passion and future potential in baseball, Lindor signed with the team for $2.9 million in August 2011.

Lindor swiftly left an impression in the minor leagues; he participated in the 2012 All-Star Futures Game, and was later rated by Baseball America as the Indians’ top overall prospect by 2013. He successfully maintained a batting average of over .300 in both his initial two major league seasons. His career then skyrocketed in 2016 when he secured his first All-Star selection and Gold Glove Award, making him the first-ever Puerto Rican shortstop to win the esteemed Gold Glove Award. The following year, Lindor won his inaugural Silver Slugger Award.

In 2015, Lindor placed second in the American League Rookie of the Year voting and was a selection to the 2017 All-WBC Team. His career saw a significant turn when he was traded to the New York Mets at the end of the 2020 season. Following his transfer, he signed a 10-year, $341 million extension with the team, an agreement that secures a decade of his incredible talent for the Mets. In his exceptional career run, Lindor marked yet another milestone in 2023 when he joined the 30-30 club.

In a thrilling phase of his professional baseball journey, Lindor became part of the Class AAA International League representing the Columbus Clippers after getting a promotion on July 21, 2014. In the 126 games that he played between the Akron Aeros and the Clippers, he managed a batting average of .276, hitting 11 home runs along with 62 RBIs, and stole 28 bases. Following this, he started the 2015 season in full swing with Columbus.

Through the ups and downs of Lindor’s career, his consistency and determination have earned him his place as one of the best in the sport. Despite experiencing a rough patch in the 2020 season, he continued to remain one of the top defenders in the league—a testament to his natural talent and resilience.

In January 2021, his career took an exciting turn. The Cleveland Indians traded Lindor and his teammate, Carlos Carrasco, to the New York Mets against Amed Rosario, Andrés Giménez, Josh Wolf, and Isaiah Greene. The significant change was followed by a rewarding 10-year, $341 million extension deal Lindor signed with the Mets. Despite initial struggles and criticism during his first season with the Mets, Lindor bounced back in style by hitting three home runs in a single game in 2021.

Today, Lindor stands as an influential figure in Major League Baseball (MLB). In addition to cracking records and receiving numerous accolades, he is also highly admired for his unwavering passion and infectious smile, hence, the nickname “Mr. Smile”. Francisco Lindor is not only an extraordinary baseball player but a true embodiment of resilience and dedication to the sport. His vibrant career continues to be an inspiration for aspiring baseball players around the globe.