Baez, Lindor apologize to Mets fans for thumbs-down celebration

New York Mets star infielders Javier Baez and Francisco Lindor apologized Tuesday for using a thumbs-down celebration to send a message to unhappy fans.

"I didn't mean to offend anybody. If I offended anybody, we apologize," Baez said, according to Tim Healey of Newsday.

The 2018 NL MVP runner-up added that "the fans are going to be the fans" when asked if he expects to be booed.

Baez also tried to smooth things over on Twitter before Tuesday's contest:

Mets president Sandy Alderson publicly slammed the players Sunday, calling their actions unacceptable. He said the fans have the right to boo if the team isn't performing up to expectations.

Meanwhile, Lindor, who signed a 10-year, $341-million extension during the offseason, also apologized.

"It was wrong and I apologize to whoever was offended. It was not my intent to offend people," the four-time All-Star said.

Lindor added that he appreciates that the fans and media are blunt in New York.

"The media here is honest. The fans here are honest," the 27-year-old said, according to Deesha Thosar of the New York Daily News. "In other places, they are very honest but they keep to themselves a little bit more. Here, I have a lot of respect for fans. They let you know. As soon as I come down, if I sucked, I made an error, they'll let me know."

Mets manager Luis Rojas said the team had a meeting to discuss the thumbs-down celebration, but he wouldn't reveal the details.

Team owner Steven Cohen was pleased to see Lindor and Baez taking accountability: