Francisco Lindor spent entire season playing through significant injury

Feb 25, 2021; Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA; New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) walks from the batting cage during spring training workouts at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Francisco Lindor and the New York Mets both had difficult 2023 seasons, but we may have an explanation for the first one.

Lindor played the entire season with a right elbow injury, according to Andy Martino of SNY. Lindor initially felt the effects of a bone spur in spring training but played the entire year with it despite discomfort.

Lindor chose not to make his injury public and played 160 games anyway. The team announced Tuesday that he had undergone surgery to correct the issue.

This might explain some of Lindor’s issues on offense. While he hit 30 home runs for the first time since 2019, his batting average dropped to .254, and he battled a few slumps during the year. Ultimately, he provided enough power and defense that playing through the injury probably didn’t hurt the Mets, but it suggests he has room for improvement in 2024.

The Mets went 75-87 and are currently in the hunt for a new manager ahead of the 2024 season.