"Shohei Ohtani doesn't play the field" - Mets sportscaster sees pathway for Francisco Lindor potentially stealing NL MVP award from Dodgers superstar
After a struggling start to the 2024 season, New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor is having one of the best seasons of his career. The Puerto Rican is even being considered a strong candidate for the NL MVP, despite the presence of superstar Shohei Ohtani.
While Ohtani is having a phenomenal season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, leading the National League in several statistical categories, Lindor still has a chance to contend for the NL MVP award alongside him.
On SNY’s weekly podcast "The Mets Pod", host Connor Rogers and Joe DeMayo discussed Lindor's chances:
“The conversation around Francisco Lindor right now all the hype is justified [and] warranted," Rogers said. "There is going to be, I think right down to the wire, a fascinating debate between him and Shohei Ohtani. Because there is no denying that Ohtani from just an offensive standpoint as a DH is a 40 40 season before September.”
(from 10:17 mark onwards)
“It’s a remarkable feat of athleticism, the power of the speed, the kind of offensive player he is but on the flip side not only is Lindor having a great offensive year looking for another 30 30 year. But this is a guy that is a 99th percentile defender at the most important position in the field at shortstop, where Ohtani doesn’t play the field,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Japanese two-way superstar, who has focused entirely on being the designated hitter for The Dodgers this season, has hit 41 home runs, stolen 40 bases and recorded 94 RBIs while batting .292. Although some of Lindor's stats fall short of Ohtani's, he still provides plenty of defensive value.
“I think old school baseball people will look at Lindor and be like, 'Well he is a gold glove caliber shortstop that also produces offensively…' And then there’s going to be the other side of people that go, 'What Shohei Ohtani is doing at the plate is really really rare air that it has to be rewarded,'” Rogers continued.
Mets sportscaster discusses Francisco Lindor’s ‘best path’ to winning MVP award
Francisco Lindor is currently hitting .269 with 27 home runs, 78 RBIs and a .826 OPS. Discussing how Lindor can improve his chances of winning the NL MVP award, Connor Rogers said:
“There is a human element to this because these awards are voted on by human beings. I think that the human element to it, it’s guys that have a story right? We talk about this a lot with all kinds of awards and every sport.
“The story of Lindor lifting the Mets to a postseason appearance will be a factor and I know he’s a long shot right now. Like you said the odds speak for themselves but that’s probably Lindor’s best path to actually stealing this award in a wild race,” he added.
(from 14:24 mark onwards)
The New York Mets (68-63) are currently ranked third in the NL East standings. They began a three-game series with the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday, with the Mets leading 6-0 at Chase Field at the time of writing.
Who do you think deserves to win the NL MVP award between Shohei Ohtani and Francisco Lindor? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.