"Derek Jeter not on the same level as Francisco Lindor" - Sportscaster asserts Mets SS' defensive skill bags 1st ballot Hall of Fame induction

While much of the attention in the National League MVP race has gone to Shohei Ohtani, Francisco Lindor has been enjoying yet another fantastic season. The New York Mets shortstop has been a force on both sides of the field, proving yet again why he ranks among the best at his position.

An elite talent across the field, Lindor has proved that he is one of the best shortstops of his generation. One podcaster has gone to the extent of saying that he should be ranked ahead of one of the all-time greats: Derek Jeter.

On the latest episode of the Mets'd Up Podcast, hosts Marc Luino and James Schiano were asked about the Hall of Fame likelihood for Lindor. They discussed whether or not he should be considered for a first-ballot entry.

"He's going to be a first ballot Hall of Famer. He's doing stuff that there's almost no shortstops in baseball have ever done [49:20]," Luino said of Lindor's Hall of Fame potential.

"Obviously defensively, Jeter not on the same level as him, Cal Ripken close but not as close [49:30]," Luino continued.

It is never easy to compare different eras of sports. For instance, just look at the ongoing debate about Michael Jordan and LeBron James.

However, by comparing Francisco Lindor to both Derek Jeter and Cal Ripken Jr., Marc Luino has placed the Mets shortstop in what some view as the Mount Rushmore of players at his position.

"There's just not a lot of shortstops that have been able to do things on both sides of the ball that he's doing. He'll be a clear first-ballot Hall of Famer," Luino said. [49:40].

Over the course of his 20-year Hall of Fame career, New York Yankees legend Derek Jeter won five Gold Glove Awards. When it comes to Francisco Lindor, the 30-year-old has won a pair of them over his 10-year span.

While awards don't tell the whole story, Jeter's trophy cabinet is a little more loaded than Lindor's.

Francisco Lindor will look to power the New York Mets to postseason

If Lindor is looking to gain some steam on some of the all-time great players in terms of legacy, postseason success will certainly help his case.

Heading into Monday's action, the New York Mets find themselves 1.0 spots outside of the final National League Wild Card spot. If the Mets fail to reach the postseason, it will be consecutive years without playoff baseball.

Even though Francisco Lindor's contributions should be enough to get him enshrined in the National Baseball Hall of Fame, a World Series ring would all but seal his place among the greats.