Francisco Lindor Sends Clear Message After Mets' Win Over Cubs

On a cold, rain-slicked Friday night in Flushing, the crack of Francisco Lindor’s bat cut through the gloom like a lightning bolt over Citi Field. Jameson Taillon’s first inning offering didn’t just land in the seats—it ignited the New York Mets’ offense and set the tone for a 7-2 takedown of the Chicago Cubs.

It was Lindor’s fourth leadoff home run of the 2025 campaign, a number that now marks a trend rather than a fluke. More than an individual feat, it’s becoming a reliable signal: when Lindor strikes early, the Mets find themselves in position to control the game.

New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (12)

© John Jones-Imagn Images

The significance of Lindor’s early-inning damage goes beyond the scoreboard. It’s become a rhythm-setter for a lineup that has started to find its identity. His May 9 shot off Taillon followed a string of similarly impactful swings.

With four leadoff home runs across just over a month, each one stamping his influence on a game before it had the chance to settle in, Lindor is helping carry New York's offense. That kind of spark at the top of the order doesn’t just energize the dugout—it gives the Mets a tactical edge before the opponent has a chance to get comfortable.

Lindor’s home run may have opened the scoring, but it was the Mets’ relentless approach with two strikes that defined their offensive identity Friday. Twelve of New York’s 13 hits came with two strikes, a level of situational hitting that speaks directly to preparation and execution.

“An at-bat’s not over ‘til it’s over,” Lindor told SNY’s Steve Gelbs postgame. “You gotta grind. You get a good pitch, no matter what the count is, and execute the plan. The hitting coaches have done an outstanding job of preparing us.”

That grit showed not just in singles, but in power: three of the Mets’ four home runs came in two-strike counts. Against a Cubs pitching staff that tried to nibble and force mistakes, the Mets didn’t bite. They adjusted, shortened swings, and kept pressure on with every at-bat.

It’s no longer just about waiting for stars to carry the offense. The Mets’ lineup—top to bottom—is beginning to perform like a complete unit. Francisco Lindor (.297) and Pete Alonso (.324) are providing the firepower, but every member of the starting nine found a hit on Friday. It’s not just the stars—it’s the structure.

The approach has shifted. There’s intent behind every plate appearance, cohesion in each inning. When a lineup produces 13 hits—12 of them with two strikes—and sees every player contribute, it signals more than a one-off offensive burst. It suggests a team that knows who it is and how it wants to win.

The Mets aren’t hiding from expectations. The roster is built to contend, and with both lineup and rotation trending toward full health, the conditions are ripe for a serious postseason push. Friday’s win wasn’t just dominant—it was instructive. It showed what this team looks like when it plays its brand of baseball: patient, powerful, and prepared.

They’ll be back at it Saturday night at 7:15 PM ET for Game 2 of the three-game set against Chicago. But regardless of the series outcome, this performance underscored something larger. Francisco Lindor’s bat is leading more than innings—it’s shaping the Mets’ identity.

And when the tone is set early, it becomes increasingly clear: these Mets are built to win.