Mets' Lindor backs Showalter to return as manager in 2024

New York Mets star shortstop Francisco Lindor is throwing his support behind manager Buck Showalter to return in 2024.

"The guy has been here two years and he won Manager of the Year one of them," Lindor said Tuesday, according to Mike Puma of the New York Post. "One year that didn't go as planned. He's doing great. I don't even think it should be a question."

Showalter was hired ahead of the 2022 season. He led the Mets to a 101-61 record in his first season at the helm but the club has struggled in 2023, entering play Wednesday at 70-81.

Despite the club's underwhelming campaign so far, Lindor believes Showalter still does a great job connecting with the players.

"Buck holds everybody accountable, he's a great leader, he's outstanding at quieting the noise here in the clubhouse, which sometimes can be tough in New York, and he cares for the players," Lindor said.

The Mets are reportedly hiring former Milwaukee Brewers executive David Stearns as the new president of baseball operations. However, Lindor doesn't think the change in the front office will automatically spell trouble for Showalter's future in New York.

"I don't think that's the way Stearns runs stuff," Lindor said. "From what I know he's a very smart guy, he's a guy that interacts with players and a guy that doesn't make emotional decisions. He makes very educated decisions just like (Mets owner) Steve Cohen does."

Lindor has enjoyed another strong season for the Mets in 2023. The 29-year-old owns a .788 OPS with 26 home runs, 99 runs scored, 87 RBIs, and 27 stolen bases across 148 games.