Last season, New York Mets star shortstop Francisco Lindor, fresh off signing a ten-year, $341 million extension, had a rough start of the year.
For several weeks, he struggled to keep his average at a respectable number, and even received some boos at Citi Field, home of the Mets.
And when he was starting to get on a groove, he was knocked out of action for weeks with an oblique strain in July.
All in all, it was a rocky year for the talented shortstop, who ended up hitting .230/.322/.412 with 20 home runs, 63 RBI, and a .734 OPS for the year.
This year, however, has seen him perform a little better: not quite at his peak, but better anyway.
With his three-run home run on Wednesday, he not only lifted the Mets to the victory against the Atlanta Braves, but also drove in three runs to reach 64.
We aren’t even in the All-Star break and he already surpassed last year’s RBI total.
He Is Feeling Better Than Ever
He attributes his improved play to feeling better physically.
“I’m healthier, I’m helping the team more than I did last year. At this point last year, I was probably hitting .190. I’m playing good baseball for the Mets.” – Francisco Lindor,” SNY tweeted on Wednesday afternoon.
"I'm healthier, I'm helping the team more than I did last year. At this point last year, I was probably hitting .190. I'm playing good baseball for the Mets."
– Francisco Lindor pic.twitter.com/hLX9FCTHM0
— SNY (@SNYtv) July 13, 2022
Unlike last season, he has managed to avoid injuries this campaign, for the most part.
He has been focused on his play and helping the Mets win, and he has achieved it.
He is hitting .244/.317/.433 with 16 round-trippers, 64 RBI, and a .750 OPS.
He has been better than 2021, and we could see better production moving forward with the weather warming up.
Can he have a full-fledged bounce-back second half?
Mets fans are eager to see it.
NEXT: Francisco Lindor Has Already Improved On A 2021 Mark