"If they don't want to recognize me, it is what it is"- Mets' Francisco Lindor reflects on 'lack of respect' following All-Star snub

Francisco Lindor has been one of the key players for the New York Mets this season. The shortstop's performance seemingly warranted an All-Star appearance, but Sunday's announcement of the selections for the Midsummer Classic surprised many.

Mets first baseman Pete Alonso is the only player selected from the Mets for the 2024 All-Star game. When in a recent SNY TV interview, reporters asked Lindor if being snubbed from the marquee even fueled him to do better in the second half of the season, he said:

“I mean, I don't need [any] motivation. To me, motivation is something that you try to find when you don't really want to do things. I have the discipline to go out there and do what I gotta do, staying focused on my daily job.”

“If people want to recognize me, great. If they don't want to recognize me, it is what it is. As long as I win ballgames and I do my job to help this franchise be the best franchise in the world, I'm happy with that.”

Since joining the New York Mets, Francisco Lindor has never been an All-Star. Before he joined the Mets, he was chosen for the All-Star Game four times in a row from 2016 to 2019 during his time with the Cleveland Indians.

Francisco Lindor’s stats for the 2024 season are .250 batting average, .324 on-base percentage, .453 slugging percentage, and .777 OPS. He has hit 17 home runs and driven in 51 runs.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza praises Francisco Lindor

During Saturday’s game against the Colorado Rockies at Citi Field, Francisco Lindor recorded one hit in three at-bats with three RBIs and two walks. He hit a 420-foot home run in the eighth inning, driving three runs for the New York Mets.

When asked about Lindor’s lack of recent accolades, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said (via New York Post):

“That’s a good question because I keep asking myself the same thing. I don’t think people appreciate or recognize what he brings to the baseball field, what he means to this team. Great player. He’s been doing it for a long time.”

The Mets secured an impressive 7-3 victory against the Rockies, marking their second win in the three-game series. Both teams will meet again for the final game on Sunday.