Francisco Lindor is one big thorn for the Los Angeles Dodgers on their way to the World Series championship. The Mets star has been phenomenal all year round. David Sterns, the Mets president, said that “he excels at every aspect of the game”, and he isn’t wrong. When the LA Dodgers had dumped the Mets 11 games below.500 at Citi Field, things did turn ugly. However, Lindor took charge as a leader, and he led by example, ensuring to reach the NLDS.

But did you know that this would have all never come into existence? Instead of orange and blue, Mr. Smile could have adorned the Dodger blue! Recently, among all the noise of Lindor and his input in Game 2 against the Dodgers, where he equaled the score with 1-1, a piece of news came in: Lindor was on the list of guys Andrew Friedman wanted on his team. Lindor caught Friedman’s attention with his stellar performances this year, but this wasn’t the first time that the Dodgers head was looking at him.

Lindor might have been sporting the Dodger blue

Francisco Lindor recently revealed looking to outfit Lindor in Dodger blue. As fate would have it, though, the Mets swooped in and struck gold instead. “We engaged quite a bit,” Friedman emphasized over Lindor joining the Dodgers team. In 2019, Friedman was looking for someone who could help the team get over their championship drought, and that’s when he came across Lindor.

Friedman said that there was traction, but it didn’t amount to anything much. But he cleared, “He was definitely on our target list.” Later, the LA Dodgers did end up striking a deal with Mookie Betts. Who also is in his way, a star of his right? But during the time, Lindor offered way more value than Betts, as he was under control through 2021, whereas Betts was to become a free agent in 2022. Plus, even Lindor’s stats were stellar, and from 2017 to 2019 he averaged 34 home runs.

Francisco Lindor continues creating magic for the Mets

Over the past few weeks, the New York Mets fought their way into the postseason NLCS. It was no easy journey, but Francisco Lindor most definitely led the charge. He stood up when the team needed him the most, although he always had the record to wait before making a splash. But not on Monday; on Game 2 against the Dodgers, Lindor decided to skip the drama with a gutsy eight-pitch at-bat that ended in a leadoff home run. And just like that, he snapped the Dodger’s impressive postseason scoreless streak.

Sad for the record-setting pitching lineup, but Lindor made it clear—the New York Mets weren’t about to roll over the humiliating 9-0 loss in Game 1. His homer set the tone for the Mets to garner a 7-3 win, tying the series to 1-1. Moreover, Lindor’s wasn’t just any home run—it was the Met’s first postseason leadoff clast since Curtis Granderson in 2015-  this goes on to say how much value Lindor brings to the team.

While the Dodgers might be regretting not getting him on his team, they are no less with their line, both pitching and hitting. What do you think will happen in Game 3? Share your predictions in the comments.