Francisco Lindor says he needs to ‘be more aggressive’ as Mets’ defensive blunders continue

In a season filled with miscues for the Mets, Francisco Lindor has made his fair share.
That trend continued in Saturday’s 6-2 loss to the Marlins at Citi Field, which started with Lindor misplaying Otto Lopez’s grounder to shortstop into an error then throwing late to second on Heriberto Hernández’s ground ball to short on the next play.
Lopez was safe at second on the play, but Marcus Semien’s throw to first was in time for an out.
Lindor ended up getting a sarcastic round of applause from the Citi Field when he caught Xavier Edwards’ soft liner later in the inning.
“I’ve just got to be more aggressive,’’ Lindor said of his play on defense.
“We just want him on the attack,’’ interim manager Andy Green said. “I think when he attacks the ball, he defends really well. … When he’s on the attack, he’s one of the best shortstops in baseball.”
Lindor said he rushed the first grounder, which led to a bobble.
“That changed the outcome of the game,’’ Lindor said. “I’ve got to be better.”
It’s practically been the motto of this Mets team, as well as Lindor, in what’s been a miserable year for the veteran infielder and the entire organization.
On the day they celebrated the 1986 World Series-winning team — complete with wearing a version of the ’86 uniforms — it was more of the same for this year’s squad, which fell to 47-65.
Lindor said his focus remains the same, despite the season-long struggles and the upcoming trade deadline, which figures to deplete an already weak roster by the time Monday is done.
“That doesn’t affect me,’’ Lindor said. “If it does, I’m in the wrong business. It’s gonna happen every year. We’re either gonna add or subtract.”

Certainly, the idea was to be in a position to add, with an offense led by Lindor and Juan Soto highlighting a roster with a lofty payroll.
Lindor was among the current Mets who took time to talk to the players in attendance from the ’86 team.
And though he said, “Those guys are great and deserve to be celebrated,’’ he added he didn’t use their presence as inspiration for what he still wants to do in Queens.
“I don’t need more inspiration,’’ Lindor said. “I want to win. I’m as hungry as ever. My job with this organization is not over until we win. Even then, it’s got to continue.”
They seem to be going in the wrong direction, having made the NLCS in 2024 then collapsed out of a playoff spot last year before falling to the bottom depths of the league this season.
Still, Lindor said he was “very optimistic” about the future.
On Saturday, though, it seemed like the only positive signs came from the past.