Francisco Lindor’s career began with high expectations, as he batted .300 in his first two seasons in Major League Baseball. However, the narrative shifted dramatically over the past nine seasons, during which his average dropped to .267, only slightly above the MLB average of .265 in 1993.
Last season, the landscape of batting averages in the league highlighted Lindor’s struggles, with only one qualified hitter in the National League achieving a .300 average. In contrast, six hitters in the American League managed to reach that mark, with Aaron Judge leading at an impressive .331.
As the new season approaches, Lindor is set to start at shortstop and bat leadoff in the opener against the Pirates. This marks a significant return for Lindor, who is just six weeks removed from hamate bone surgery. His recovery process included participation in five Grapefruit League games before Opening Day, indicating a positive trajectory.
The decline in batting averages across the league has been a topic of discussion among players and experts alike. Lindor himself noted, “The game is telling you to get on base and slug, so that’s what most of the guys are doing.” This reflects a broader trend in the sport where traditional hitting metrics are evolving.
Jacob Wilson, another player, remarked on the changing dynamics of hitting, stating, “I felt like I was getting a lot of hits and I (finished at) .311, not too far away from being in the twos.” This sentiment echoes the challenges faced by hitters in today’s game.
Manager Terry Francona added to the conversation, saying, “Hitting has changed — some days I think for the better, some days I’m not so sure.” This highlights the ongoing debate about the effectiveness of current hitting strategies.
Trea Turner also weighed in, pointing out that the quality of pitching and defense has made it increasingly difficult for hitters to find success. “With the combination of how good pitching has gotten and how good defense has gotten, there’s just not a lot of hits out there,” he stated.
As Lindor prepares for the upcoming season, his performance will be closely monitored. The decline in his batting average over the years raises questions about his ability to return to form. However, his recent recovery and participation in spring training games suggest he may be on the right path.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the long-term impact of his surgery on his performance, but the baseball community remains hopeful for a resurgence from Lindor in the 2023 season.