Port St. Lucie, FL – New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor has publicly acknowledged and accepted owner Steve Cohen’s recent declaration that the team will not name a captain under his ownership. The decision, announced earlier this week, effectively ends speculation that Lindor, the longest-tenured player on the roster, might be tapped for the leadership role. Lindor’s response, shared with MLB.com, emphasizes his respect for the front office’s decision and his continued commitment to the team’s success.
Cohen’s stance, revealed during a meeting with the media on February 16th, stems from a belief that team leadership should emerge organically within the clubhouse rather than being designated by management. He characterized the clubhouse environment as unique and evolving, suggesting that a fixed captaincy could hinder that natural process. This decision comes after a tumultuous 2025 season for the Mets, marked by on-field struggles and reported internal discord, fueling speculation about leadership dynamics within the team.
“I respect it. What we have is definitely a Steve, front-office type decision,” Lindor stated. “At the end of the day, being named captain or not, I’m still going to act the same. This isn’t something that will make me different. I’m glad he put everything to bed, so that way One can stop talking about this. And move on.”
Mets’ Shift in Leadership Philosophy
The Mets have historically had a limited number of official captains: Keith Hernandez, Gary Carter, John Franco, and David Wright, whose career concluded in 2018. Cohen’s decision represents a significant departure from that tradition. He explained his reasoning, stating, “Just my own views on how I want a locker room to be. My view is every year the team’s different and let the team kind of figure it out in the locker room rather than having a designation. Having a captain in baseball doesn’t happen often. It’s actually unusual.”
The announcement followed a busy offseason for the Mets, as they navigated roster changes under the leadership of manager Carlos Mendoza, who is entering his third season with the team. New York allowed both slugger Pete Alonso and closer Edwin Díaz to depart as free agents, and too traded away homegrown players Brandon Nimmo and Jeff McNeil. These moves, coupled with Cohen’s captaincy decision, signal a clear shift in the organization’s approach to team building, and leadership.
Lindor Focused on Recovery and Performance
Despite the speculation surrounding the captaincy, Lindor remains focused on his own preparation for the upcoming season. The 32-year-old shortstop, a five-time All-Star, is currently rehabbing from surgery on February 11th to repair a broken hamate bone in his left hand. The injury, which occurred after experiencing soreness in his hand and wrist, could potentially impact his availability at the start of the season.
Last season, Lindor demonstrated remarkable durability and performance, leading the Major League Baseball in plate appearances with 762. He finished the year with a .267 batting average, 31 home runs, 86 RBIs, and 31 stolen bases. However, he was ultimately left off Puerto Rico’s roster for the upcoming World Baseball Classic due to insurance concerns, according to reports.
“It’s not where they want to go,” Lindor added, reiterating his understanding of Cohen’s vision. “I respect it, I understand it and I’m on board. It’s just one of those where it’s like, I’m going to focus on baseball. I feel like we’ve got leaders [without] captains and all that stuff. The clubhouse is the clubhouse. Let’s just play baseball, and let’s focus on winning.”
As the Mets prepare for spring training and the 2026 season, the focus will be on how the team’s leadership dynamic evolves without a designated captain. The organization will be looking for players to step up and contribute both on and off the field, fostering a collaborative environment that prioritizes winning. The team’s performance in the coming months will be a key indicator of whether Cohen’s unconventional approach to leadership will prove successful.
What remains to be seen is how the Mets’ revamped roster and leadership structure will translate to on-field success. The team’s ability to gel quickly and establish a winning culture will be crucial as they navigate a competitive National League East.
Feel free to share your thoughts on the Mets’ decision and Lindor’s response in the comments below.
