The Mets’ spring optimism hit turbulence fast.
Sep 17, 2025; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) reacts during the sixth inning against the San Diego Padres at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images | Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Francisco Lindor now faces evaluation for a hamate bone issue.
Surgery remains a real possibility.
If surgery happens, recovery could stretch six weeks.
Opening Day readiness becomes uncertain.
That uncertainty forces uncomfortable contingency planning.
Lindor anchors the infield.
Fans meet Mets player Jose Iglesias and watch him perform his hit song, OMG, at Playland in Rye Aug. 3, 2024. | Peter Carr/The Journal News / USA TODAY NETWORK
He stabilizes the lineup and sets the tone defensively.
Replacing him, even temporarily, isn’t simple.
Internally, the Mets have options.
Vidal Bruján and Ronny Mauricio headline short-term candidates.
But none replicate Lindor’s two-way impact.
Bo Bichette exists as a theoretical solution.
Yet reports suggest the Mets do not view him as a shortstop option.
That decision narrows flexibility quickly.
If internal answers feel thin, external names gain relevance.
Veteran José Iglesias stands out immediately.
He knows New York.
He understands the pressure.
Iglesias brings defensive reliability and positional versatility.
Over 1,000 career games at shortstop offer reassurance.
Short-term stability might be exactly what the Mets need.
Ramón UrÃas presents another flexible alternative.
While primarily a corner infielder, he owns experience at shortstop.
That adaptability holds value in crisis scenarios.
Luis UrÃas offers a similar profile.
He can rotate across the infield once Lindor returns.
Depth becomes insurance, not desperation.
Tim Anderson represents a more traditional shortstop option.
His offensive inconsistency raises questions.
But experience at the position carries weight.
The Mets insist they remain optimistic.
Optimism, however, doesn’t eliminate preparation.
Championship aspirations demand proactive thinking.
Hamate injuries can sap power temporarily.
Even after recovery, timing at the plate can lag.
Caution early may prevent complications later.
Spring training drama often fades quickly.
This situation feels different.
Lindor’s health directly influences division expectations.
For now, the Mets wait.
Medical evaluations will dictate urgency.
But contingency conversations are already happening behind closed doors.
Queens holds its breath.
Shortstop security suddenly feels fragile.
And Opening Day just became less predictable.
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