Mets manager Carlos Mendoza expressed pride in Lindor's selection as captain, emphasizing the significance of representing one's country in the tournament.

For the upcoming tournament, Lindor is expected to lead a talented roster that may include notable players such as Edwin Díaz, Carlos Correa, and Javier Báez, enhancing Puerto Rico's chances for success.

Fan reactions to Lindor's captaincy announcement have been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing pride in his leadership role.

The 2026 World Baseball Classic is scheduled to take place from March 5 to March 17, 2026, culminating in the Championship Game at loanDepot Park in Miami.

On April 17, 2025, Francisco Lindor, the star shortstop for the New York Mets, announced via Instagram that he will serve as captain for Team Puerto Rico in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, expressing his honor with the words, "Honored to be captain of Team Puerto Rico for the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Vamos mi borinqueño!"

Lindor's leadership role comes as he is also a focal point for discussions about his potential captaincy of the Mets, a position that has been vacant since David Wright's retirement in 2018.

Recently, Lindor achieved a significant milestone by recording his 1,500th career hit, further solidifying his reputation as one of baseball's elite shortstops, drawing comparisons to Hall of Famers like Derek Jeter and Cal Ripken Jr.

His impressive performance in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, where he boasted a .450 batting average and helped Puerto Rico reach the quarterfinals, showcased his ability to perform on the international stage.

Lindor has a strong history in the World Baseball Classic, having been named MVP of Pool D in 2017, where Puerto Rico finished as the runner-up against Team USA.

Puerto Rico's group in the 2026 WBC includes formidable teams like Cuba, Canada, Panama, and Colombia, making it a challenging competition.

Despite a slow start to the 2025 MLB season with a batting average of .239, the Mets are currently leading the National League East with an 11-7 record.

Lindor's influence extends beyond statistics; he is viewed as the most important player on the Mets, integral to the team's success.