Francisco Lindor once mused on fatherhood before welcoming his son, “Thank god, I had girls… now, if a boy comes along, I know what it’s like to be a dad.” That playful comment offers a glimpse into his light-hearted yet deeply committed nature. Lindor, known for his infectious energy on the field and his deep devotion to his family off it, has always found a way to balance his high-profile career with personal milestones. This week, the Lindor family had even more to celebrate.

On March 30 2025, Francisco and Katia Reguero Lindor, gave birth for the third time. A son they named Koa Amani Lindor. The name “Koa” symbolizes courage, while “Amani” represents peace, a fitting balance for the newest addition to their growing family. koa will grow up alongside his sisters, Kalina Zoe (born 2020) and Amapola Chloe (born 2023), in the Lindor family. The couple, who married in December 2021, announced their good news in the midst of the baseball season, a time when Lindor is usually making headlines for his bat and glove rather than family milestones.

Just a day after his son Koa was born in Orlando, Francisco Lindor was already back with the Mets for their game against the Marlins in Miami. When asked about his quick return, Lindor kept it simple, according to Mike Puma of The Post. “I wasn’t having the baby – my wife did,” Lindor said. Importantly, he stressed the mutual understanding he shares with Katia, saying, “She said it was OK to leave, and I left”. This choice reflects the intricate balance professional athletes navigate between their familial duties and commitments to their teams.

This incredible commitment is no shock from Lindor. After the birth of his second daughter, Amapola, in June 2023, he desperately wanted to play the same day despite a sleepless night. Although Buck Showalter, the manager at the time, suggested resting the starter, Lindor still came to the ballpark, took a nap, and batted in a pinch-hitting appearance late in the game. And then impressively homered in his first at-bat back in the starting lineup the next day. These incidents showcase his consistent commitment to participating in the team. As with any high-profile decision, fans opinions were split on Lindor’s choice to return so soon after his son’s birth.

Francisco Lindor’s swift return sparks debate

Athletes often face scrutiny when making personal decisions, and Lindor’s choice to return just a day after his son’s birth was no exception. While some viewed it as a testament to his dedication, others questioned whether he was sacrificing precious family moments for the game. The conversation quickly spilled onto social media, where opinions ranged from harsh criticism to enthusiastic praise.

Some fans reacted harshly on one side of the debate, and largely viewed Lindor’s quick return as a dereliction of basic family duties. “What a dead beat,” one critical comment read online.

That blunt perspective probably comes from the fact that Lindor rejoined the Mets only a day after Koa’s birth, not taking the full paternity leave that MLB allows. A decision that some fans think is wrongly prioritizing work at a critical family moment.

On the flip side, some fans weren’t shocked by Lindor’s decision, wondering why it was news. “Why wouldn’t he play why is this news lol,” wrote one such fan, as it was expected.

For these fans, Lindor’s already established commitment combined with the Mets’ recent offensive struggles made his big return seem apparent. The team had managed to score just five runs in three games against Houston. Getting back their star shortstop — an MVP runner-up in 2024 with 33 homers — quickly felt like a make-or-break proposition

Others expressed outright admiration for what they viewed as Lindor’s toughness and fierce commitment to his profession. “That’s a MAN, baby!” one supporter cheered on social media.

This type of praise surely follows Lindor’s history of playing in great pain, such as fighting through a major elbow bone spur throughout much of 2023, demonstrating a level of commitment and stubbornness that many fans seem to appreciate and laud.

Some fans pointed out that baseball culture has long embraced this kind of commitment.“Baseball family…. that’s how they do,” another comment read, as though this was routine.

And history backs that up—plenty of players have made quick returns after childbirth. Mike Trout hitting a home run in his first game back after his child’s birth. Or Aaron Barrett driving thirteen hours overnight to watch his child enter the world before speeding back to pitch for his team.

For the Mets, Lindor’s return wasn’t just about one game—it was about setting the tone for the season. With the NL East shaping up to be a brutal fight, every game counts. And with newly acquired superstar Juan Soto in the lineup, expectations for the Mets are sky-high. Lindor has played through injuries before, powered through exhaustion, and now, he’s proving once again why he’s one of the team’s leaders. The question is, will his mindset help push the Mets to something special in 2025?