Francisco Lindor began his Major League Baseball career with high expectations, boasting a batting average of .300 in his first two seasons. However, over the subsequent nine seasons, his performance has declined, with a batting average of .267, which is only marginally above the MLB average of .243 following the 2022 season.
Last season, the landscape of batting averages in the league reflected a significant challenge for hitters. Only one qualified player in the National League managed to bat .300, while six American League hitters achieved this feat, with Aaron Judge leading at .331. This stark contrast highlights the difficulties Lindor and others have faced in maintaining high batting averages in the current competitive environment.
As Lindor prepares for the upcoming season, he is set to start at shortstop and bat leadoff in the opener against the Pirates. This marks a notable return for him, as he is just six weeks removed from undergoing hamate bone surgery. Despite this setback, Lindor has participated in five Grapefruit League games prior to Opening Day, indicating a readiness to contribute to his team.
Experts in the field have noted the evolving nature of hitting in baseball. Lindor himself remarked, “The game is telling you to get on base and slug, so that’s what most of the guys are doing.” This shift in focus reflects broader trends in the sport, as players adapt to the increasing quality of pitching and defense, which Trea Turner pointed out by stating, “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.”
While Lindor’s early career success set high expectations, the realities of modern baseball present new challenges. As he embarks on this season, the impact of his recovery and adaptation to the current game will be closely monitored by fans and analysts alike.
