On June 1, 2025, New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor etched his name deeper into baseball history by belting his 261st career home run, officially passing Yankees legend and Hall of Famer Derek Jeter on the all-time home run list for shortstops. The historic blast came during a key moment in the Mets’ 4-2 win over the Colorado Rockies, further solidifying Lindor’s reputation as one of the most complete shortstops in the modern era. Jeter, widely regarded for his clutch performances, five World Series titles, and nearly unmatched consistency over a 20-year career, finished with 260 home runs—never necessarily known for power, but still an elite presence at the plate. Lindor, on the other hand, has combined Gold Glove-caliber defense with a more pronounced power stroke, making his rise up the home run charts a testament to his dual-threat ability.
In the 2025 season so far, Lindor has been a steady force in the heart of the Mets’ lineup, posting a .285 batting average with 14 home runs, 36 RBIs, and an OPS of .857 through early June. His consistency at the plate, leadership in the clubhouse, and versatility in the field have all helped anchor a Mets team still battling for position in the NL East. This recent milestone places Lindor fourth all-time in home runs among shortstops, trailing only Cal Ripken Jr. (431), Miguel Tejada (307), and Hanley Ramírez (271). With just 11 home runs separating him and Ramirez, Lindor could potentially move into third place before season’s end if he continues at his current pace.
Beyond the numbers, Lindor’s achievement speaks to the evolution of the shortstop position, which has shifted over the past few decades from being defense-first to producing dynamic two-way stars. Players like Ripken helped redefine the expectations at the position, and Lindor is carrying that torch forward with his power, poise, and professionalism. Surpassing a legend like Jeter is no small feat, especially in New York, where Jeter’s legacy still casts a long shadow, but Lindor continues to carve out his own legacy, swing by swing. As the Mets aim for a strong second half of the season, their star shortstop’s pursuit of greatness is something fans on both sides of the city can appreciate.