Unyielding will defines some players. Francisco Lindor is simply one of those guys. The New York Mets shortstop has earned a reputation for tireless dedication, opting again and again to be on the field for his team. This commitment goes beyond pride; it is a cornerstone of the team’s success. But behind this iron will is a support system that makes it all possible, a truth Lindor recently shared, giving credit where it’s due.

Lindor’s toughness has shone on full display in 2025. A pitch broke his right pinky toe on June 4, but he missed only a single game. This followed his decision in March to return to the team one day after the birth of his son, Koa Amani, refusing to utilize his paternity leave. And he’s not merely making an appearance; he’s starring. Lindor is hitting .275 with 14 homers and an. 817 OPS, while playing elite defense with a positive 2 Outs Above Average.

So, where does this incredible drive come from? In a recent appearance on the NY Post baseball podcast, ‘The Show,’ host Jon Heyman asked Lindor exactly that, marveling at his quick returns. His answer was simple and heartfelt, pointing directly to his family.

“This is credit to my dad… My dad has always told me that we can’t take any day for granted. We got to play the game if we have the opportunity to do it,” Lindor shared. “Then the child thing, that’s credit to my wife. She gave me permission to go play. If she doesn’t give me permission, it doesn’t happen.” This mindset is not new; it’s a pattern of incredible strength.

During the 2024 season, Lindor injured his lower back significantly in September. He returned after just two days despite being visibly uncomfortable. He got clutch hits, including a go-ahead, two-run homer that secured a playoff spot for the Mets. And he then played every single inning of the postseason while battling persistent back pain, even hitting a go-ahead grand slam.

Months earlier, in May 2024, he suffered from a serious flu. He was sent home from a game and returned the next day needing IV fluids. He convinced his manager to let him pinch-hit and proceeded to deliver a two-run double. Not finished, he remained in the game and smacked a two-run double in the 11th inning for a shocking comeback walk-off win. His teammate Starling Marte described it simply as “tremendous.”

Lindor’s commitment to being available is a core part of his identity. He once played straight 223 games for the Mets. When the streak came to an end, he wasn’t upset about a personal record. He was upset about “not being out there with the boys.” He takes immense pride in “posting up” for his teammates every day, setting a powerful standard for accountability in the clubhouse.

This relentless drive doesn’t go unnoticed. In fact, it’s the very quality that earns him the deepest respect from those in the dugout and the front office.

Francisco Lindor among baseball’s toughest

This attitude has earned him universal praise. Manager Carlos Mendoza frequently says, “That’s who he is,” when asked about Lindor’s toughness. Teammate Pete Alonso calls his “superpower” and “consistency.” Even former teammate Tommy Pham, a critic of the Mets’ work ethic, excluded Lindor from his critique. Lindor himself sums it up best: “I’m still a kid from Puerto Rico getting to live out my dream. Who’d ever want to take a day off from doing that?”

Lindor’s durability puts him on the level of some of the hardest players in the history of baseball. His fast recovery and elite-level performance ability are his own unique brand of toughness. It belongs right up there with Cal Ripken Jr.’s record-setting streak, Kirk Gibson‘s World Series home run, and Sandy Koufax pitching through constant pain. He shares a modern resilience with Shohei Ohtani, who’s also come back from serious injuries to once again play at an MVP level.

His choice to forgo paternity leave also sets him apart. While players like Bryan Reynolds rightfully utilize the paternity list, the readiness of Lindor after the birth of both his children highlights an unbelievable personal sacrifice for the team. It’s not a swipe at others but a reflection of his special, team-first mindset that has made his clubhouse leadership so strong.

Ultimately, Lindor’s sheer force of will is a tangible asset for the first-place New York Mets. The team’s outstanding 45-28 record is based on fantastic pitching (best in the league with a 2.98 ERA) and a patient lineup (3rd in the OBP). Lindor’s all-around excellence and ever-presence are a big reason why they are so successful.