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Francisco Lindor Hits 261st Home Run to Pass Derek Jeter, Will Lead Puerto Rico in 2026 WBC

On June 1, Francisco Lindor hit the 261st home run of his Major League career, passing Hall of Famer Derek Jeter for fourth all-time among players whose primary position is shortstop. The fifth-inning solo shot at Citi Field helped the New York Mets beat the Colorado Rockies 5-3 to complete a three-game sweep in Queens, and extend their hot stretch to seven wins in their last eight games.

Lindor, 31, now trails only Cal Ripken Jr. (431), Miguel Tejada (307), Hanley Ramirez (271), and on the career shortstop home run list.

Lindor Powers Mets Into First Place

After going hitless with three strikeouts on May 26, Lindor bounced backwith a dominant stretch—going 9-for-16 with three home runs, six runs scored, and five RBI over the next four games. He has played in all 59 games this season, batting .282 with 13 home runs, 34 RBI, 10 stolen bases, and an .846 OPS.

New York improved to 37-22 and sits atop the National League East standings ahead of Atlanta.

The Mets begin a four-game series on the road against the Los Angeles Dodgers Monday night at Dodger Stadium.

Lindor To Captain Puerto Rico in 2026

Lindor’s rise this season also comes with international implications. The switch-hitting shortstop from Caguas announced on April 16 via Instagram that he will return as captain of Puerto Rico for the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

Lindor starred in Puerto Rico’s run to the WBC final in 2017, hitting .370 across seven games. He returned in 2023 and batted .450 in five games, including a triple in a key group-stage win against the Dominican Republic.

Puerto Rico will compete in Pool A of the 2026 WBC alongside Cuba, Canada, Panama, and Colombia, with all games played at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan from March 6–11. Yadier Molina will return as manager, with Carlos Beltran serving as general manager and Joey Solá as chief operating officer.

There are currently 17 Puerto Rican-born players on active Major League rosters, and the Federación de Béisbol de Puerto Rico will continue scouting talent across winter leagues and international circuits throughout 2025.

For a full breakdown of Puerto Rico’s projected roster, coaching staff, and Lindor’s announcement, read Matt Tallarini’s previous article here: Francisco Lindor To Captain Puerto Rico For Second Consecutive World Baseball Classic.

Stay tuned to World Baseball Network for upcoming roster updates and WBC developments throughout the year.

New York Mets’ Francisco Lindor reacts after hitting a solo home run during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Colorado Rockies, Sunday, June 1, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

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