Francisco Lindor: Buck Showalter Hasn't 'Lost the Team' Amid Mets' Struggles

New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor strongly denied the notion that manager Buck Showalter has lost the team amid its disappointing 36-43 start.

"He has not lost the team," Lindor said, per SNY's Andy Martino. "He is still in the front. He is still holding on to the clubhouse. I told him last year, if he posts up, I'll post up. And he had posted up every day."

Lindor also said that Showalter "is one of the best managers in the league," among other comments defending his manager. The shortstop later added that Showalter has "done everything he can in his power to push us to be better and hold us accountable."

The Mets have gone 6-16 since a three-game sweep of the Philadelphia Phillies from May 30-June 1. They have lost or tied all seven of their completed series since that three-game set.

Showalter has the public backing of general manager Billy Eppler.

"I think he's the guy to get us back on track," Eppler said on June 27, per Anthony DiComo of MLB.com.

"They deserve an opportunity to keep this going, and all the support we can give them," he said of the coaches.

Showalter also told reporters that his relationship with owner Steve Cohen has been "great" and that he "couldn't ask for a better owner."

Cohen revealed on Twitter that he will be speaking with reporters before the Mets' home game against the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday.

Showalter, 67, has managed the New York Yankees (1992-1995), Arizona Diamondbacks (1998-2000), Texas Rangers (2003-2006), Baltimore Orioles (2010-2018) and Mets (2022-present).

New York went 101-61 last year and earned a spot in the National League Wild Card Series, but the San Diego Padres upset the Mets two games to one.

This year's team finds itself 16 games behind the Atlanta Braves for first in the NL East before the midpoint of the season. The Mets are 12th in the NL in OPS and 12th in team ERA as well.

New York has another half season to turn the 2023 campaign around, but it won't be easy. The 44-34 Los Angeles Dodgers, who currently occupy the final NL Wild Card spot, already sit eight-and-a-half games ahead of New York.

Still, the talent is in place for a turnaround. For now, the Mets hope to finish the first half of this season strong as they continue their four-game series with Milwaukee.