Is It Time for the Mets to Officially Name Francisco Lindor Captain?
The New York Mets have an undeniable leader in Francisco Lindor. But does he need the official title of captain? We explore the debate and whether baseball even needs official captains anymore.
Don't you think it's kind of crazy that the New York Mets haven't officially named Francisco Lindor as their captain yet? Baseball has moved away from the concept of captains, but could making Lindor the official leader actually help set the right tone and example for the team?
Lindor: The Mets' Unofficial Leader
Let's be real—the Mets have an undisputed leader in Lindor. When you consider leadership qualities on the team, Lindor is the clear number one, with Brandon Nimmo coming in second. Others like Pete Alonso (who's on a short-term deal), Juan Soto (who hasn't even played a game for the team yet), and young talent like Francisco Alvarez—while promising—aren't quite at that leadership level yet.
Does a Captain Still Matter in Baseball?
However, does naming an official captain really matter anymore? In the past, legendary figures in the Mets' history, such as Keith Hernandez, John Franco, and David Wright, all held the title of captain. Across town, the Yankees named Aaron Judge as their captain when he signed his massive extension. But these are exceptions rather than the rule—official captains in Major League Baseball are becoming increasingly rare.
Currently, only three players in the entire league hold the official captain title: Aaron Judge (Yankees), Salvador Perez (Royals), and Marcus Semien (Rangers). Yes, that's it. Players like Jose Ramirez (Guardians) or Bryce Harper (Phillies), who fans commonly associate with leadership, don't have the title. And there’s a reason for that.
A Shared Leadership Approach
Unlike hockey or football, where captains play a vital role in communicating with officials and establishing team hierarchy, baseball seems to function smoothly without an official leader. Having multiple respected players step up as leaders—like Lindor, Nimmo, and even Edwin Díaz—allows for a shared leadership model. If Lindor were named captain, would it diminish the responsibilities or influence of other veteran players?
The Mets’ Likely Approach
Ultimately, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza (and many others in baseball) may prefer to avoid naming a captain altogether, as it allows leadership responsibilities to be more evenly distributed among multiple veterans. A clear leader exists, regardless of a formal title. Would making Lindor captain enhance the clubhouse dynamics? Or is it just a sentimental move that holds little real impact?
Thomas Vaccaro
Whether the Mets officially name Lindor their captain or not, it’s clear he remains the heart and soul of this team. But does tradition deserve a revival, or is the "C" on the jersey simply outdated? Let us know what you think!