Mets' Francisco Lindor '100% Optimistic' About Status for MLB Opening Day Amid Injury

New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor plans on taking the field for the team's Opening Day game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on March 26 despite undergoing surgery on Feb. 11 because of a stress reaction in his left hamate bone.

He told reporters Tuesday he is "100 percent optimistic" he can reach a point where he can be ready for the opener even though he acknowledged he isn't fully healthy.

"It felt really good," Lindor said after playing four defensive innings in a Minor League game Tuesday. "I'm tired. It's part of the process. It was a good day today."

The surgery had an expected recovery timetable of six weeks, so it was fair to question whether he will be ready by Opening Day. But he believes he will even if he didn't take live at-bats in his latest action.

Lindor is swinging a bat in an indoor cage and believes he is taking the correct steps.

"Our training staff is really good," he said. "They've been doing everything possible. … You have all of them working as hard as they can, and they're getting me right day in and day out. I trust the process."

Playing through ailments is nothing new for the five-time All-Star, four-time Silver Slugger winner and two-time Gold Glover.

He dealt with back concerns in 2024, a broken toe last season and an elbow issue that required surgery in October. Still, he played 160 games last season and turned in another impressive effort.

Lindor slashed .267/.346/.466 with 31 home runs, 86 RBI and 31 stolen bases.

The Mets are counting on him to put up those types of numbers again in 2026, especially as they chase a World Series with a lineup that also includes Juan Soto and new addition Bo Bichette. Throw in new ace Freddy Peralta to anchor the pitching staff, and the optimism is warranted surrounding the team.

But Lindor has to get healthy first before he can start delivering on those expectations.