The New York Mets star shortstop Francisco Lindor has led the team to a NLDS series win (3-1) over the Philadelphia Phillies, and due to his stellar performance former CY Young winner Dwight Gooden told TMZ that the 3x Silver Slugger deserves to be named team captain.
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Gooden was at Citi Field for Game 4 to witness Lindor's go-ahead grand slam in the sixth inning.
FRANCISCO LINDOR. GRAND SLAM. #NLDS pic.twitter.com/CdKuEVOfT3
— MLB (@MLB) October 9, 2024
"Couldn't happen to a better guy," Gooden said. "This guy's been solid. I know he had his personal struggles when he first came to New York. So to see what he's done this entire year, he's leading by example."
As a World Series champion with the Mets (1986), Gooden believes that Lindor is one of the main reasons the team has a chance to make a title run.
"This guy plays every day," he said. "And he plays a demanding position at shortstop. From my perspective from what I've seen, I know him personally even when he was in Cleveland. I say he's definitely deserving. But obviously, it's not my call, but from outside looking in, I definitely say he's the guy."
During his 10th season in the MLB, Lindor put up a .273 batting average, to go with 33 home runs, 91 RBI's, 107 runs, and 29 stolen bases.
After the All-Star break is when Lindor got hot, as he batted . 306 with 72 hits, 16 home runs, 39 RBIs and 44 runs scored in 57 games. And this is part of the reason, the Mets made the playoffs after being 11 games under .500 at the end of May.
In view of the current playoff picture, the Mets will face either the Los Angeles Dodgers or San Diego Padres, as that current NLDS matchup is tied at 2-2.
To also mention, the NY Yankees have advanced to the next ALCS round, so with both New York teams in the championship series of their leagues, there appears to be a chance of a possible Subway Series rematch of the 2000 World Series, when Gooden was a player and the Yankees defeated the Mets 4-1.
