Derek Jeter’s legendary career with the New York Yankees has set the gold standard for shortstops. But lately, there’s a new name buzzing around: Francisco Lindor. The New York Mets’ star is making waves, and some are suggesting that he’s operating on a different level altogether. While Jeter’s legacy is cemented with his clutch performances and unmatched leadership, Lindor’s power numbers and consistent production are starting to carve out a new kind of greatness.

So, what’s got everyone talking about Lindor? Well, recently, he achieved a pretty remarkable milestone that has baseball fans and analysts alike buzzing. Lindor hit a home run off Red Sox right-hander Kutter Crawford, and with that blast, he secured his fifth career 30-home-run season. That’s impressive enough on its own, but it gets even more interesting when you dive into the history books. By reaching this milestone, Lindor has now tied with Ernie Banks for the second-most 30-home-run seasons by a primary shortstop. Only Alex Rodríguez, with seven such seasons, sits ahead of them. That’s some elite company! 

Is Francisco Lindor ready to surpass Derek Jeter?

On the latest episode of the Mets’d It Up podcast, hosts Mark Louino and James Schiano dove into a hot topic: Francisco Lindor’s potential Hall of Fame candidacy and whether he might just leap over some all-time greats like Derek Jeter. “He’s going to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer,” Louino asserted, adding, “He’s doing stuff that there’s almost no shortstop in baseball history who has ever done.” He went on to highlight Lindor’s defensive skills, suggesting, “Defensively, Jeter is not on the same level as him. Cal Ripken is close, but not as close.” 

Now, comparing players across different eras is always tricky—just think about the endless debates between Michael Jordan and LeBron James. But Louino’s comparison of Lindor to Jeter and Ripken is stirring the pot, especially when you consider the defensive accolades. Jeter, over his 20-year career, snagged five Gold Gloves. Lindor, on the other hand, has two in his ten-year span so far. But here’s the thing: awards are just one part of the story. Lindor’s already making a strong case with his incredible performances and milestones, and while it’s tough to measure him against Jeter’s legendary career, he’s certainly giving fans and analysts plenty to think about.  

Francisco Lindor’s stellar season

Francisco Lindor is on fire this season, and it’s not just the stats that are turning heads. With about a month still to play, Lindor has already amassed 6.2 Wins Above Replacement (WAR), putting him second in the National League behind only Shohei Ohtani. This impressive total ranks as the 18th best in Mets’ history, showcasing just how impactful he’s been on the field. Let’s not forget the sheer consistency Lindor brings. He hasn’t missed a game, and his defense at shortstop has been nothing short of stellar.  

After six solid seasons with Cleveland, his first year with the Mets in 2021 was a bit of a rocky start. From a controversial altercation in the tunnel to his infamous thumbs-down gesture to fans, it seemed like he was struggling to find his footing. But the next year, he helped lead the Mets to a thrilling 101-win season.  Last year was a letdown, despite the Mets’ record-breaking payroll, but this season, Lindor has come roaring back, showcasing the best version of himself. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza captured this perfectly, saying, “I think every time he’s at the plate, we feel good about our chances.” And who can blame him? The Mets’ confidence when he’s at the dish speaks volumes about his impact.

Lindor’s decade-long career is a testament to his elite talent. With nearly 3,000 hits and 500 home runs on the horizon, his resume is already impressive. Historically, only four shortstops have posted a higher WAR in their first ten years than Lindor: Arky Vaughan, Alex Rodríguez, Cal Ripken Jr., and Pee Wee Reese. Do you think comparing Derek Jeter to Francisco Lindor is right? Let us know.