Lindor responds to Cohen's comments: 'I haven't done what I'm here to do'
New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor agrees with owner Steve Cohen's recent comments about the team's poor performance and made sure to take some accountability for his own struggles at the plate this season.
"We've been getting that message the whole year," Lindor replied when asked if Cohen's tweet sent a message to the clubhouse, according to The Athletic's Tim Britton. "We haven't really hit all year long. I haven't performed. I haven't done it.
"Bottom line. I haven't done what I'm here to do when it comes to the offensive side. Defense, they can't talk to me. Baserunning, they can't talk to me either. But offensively, yeah, criticize me, say whatever you want. You're right. You're all right. I'm with them. I haven't performed."
On Wednesday, Cohen tweeted: "It's hard to understand how professional hitters can be this unproductive. The best teams have a more disciplined approach. The slugging and OPS numbers don't lie."
The owner's assessment was fitting.
The Mets ranked 28th in slugging percentage and 24th in OPS prior to Cohen's comment. New York's numbers haven't improved since the tweet. The team's .541 OPS and .294 SLG since Aug. 18 both rank 28th in MLB.
An oblique strain forced Lindor to the injured list and has kept him away from the Mets' recent struggles, but his overall numbers don't resemble that of a player who inked a 10-year, $341-million deal last March.
The four-time All-Star owns a .228/.326/.376 slash line with 11 home runs and 36 RBIs across 87 games for New York this season.