The New York Mets secured their first victory of the 2025 MLB season on Friday, topping the Houston Astros 3-1. Star shortstop Francisco Lindor went hitless in three at-bats, but his new $765 million teammate, Juan Soto, made his presence felt by launching his first home run in a Mets uniform. Soto’s solo shot in the third inning traveled 390 feet into the right field seats, offering a glimpse of what fans can expect over the next 15 years while also highlighting a difficult decision the team must navigate.
Before the season, there was speculation about the Mets potentially naming their first team captain since David Wright’s retirement in 2018. Lindor was a strong candidate, but the team’s leadership structure became more complex with the arrival of a superstar like Soto. As Anthony DiComo of MLB.com noted earlier this month, “The current situation is different, with two long-standing leaders in Lindor and Nimmo, a high-profile newcomer in Soto, and several other veterans who garner outsized respect.”
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The Mets chose not to name a captain before the season but haven’t ruled out the possibility in the future. Francisco Lindor addressed the topic in a recent interview with GQ, expressing his enthusiasm for the role. “I would love it,” Lindor said. “I would accept it. I think it would be—no, I don’t think, I know it’s an honor. It definitely would mean something to me.”
Considering David Wright’s legacy in New York, appointing a new captain for the first time since his retirement would be a significant decision for the franchise. With Lindor continuing to establish himself as a leader, the Mets may have a compelling candidate should they choose to take that step.
