New York Mets star Francisco Lindor responds to former teammate Jason Kipnis calling out his leadership: "That's how he feels, it is what it is"

A player of Francisco Lindor's calliber is quite likely to attract unwanted criticism. Recently, his former teammate Jason Kipnis called out the New York Mets infielder, questioning his leadership abilities. Kipnis and Lindor played together for five seasons at the Cleveland Indians before Kipnis retired at the end of last season.

During an interview on The Foul Territory TV Podcast, Kipnis criticized the Mets, who have the highest payroll in baseball, for what he perceived as a lack of leadership. When the interviewer asked whether that also included his former teammate, Francisco Lindor he said:

"I’m gonna repeat it again, all those veterans and no leadership," he said. "If everybody is a veteran there you’re kinda just under the assumption that everybody is taking care of their business and going about the things the right way."

Naturally, journalists were eager to get a reaction from Lindor regarding these statements. Before a game against the Cleveland Guardians, Lindor, in a dejected tone, mentioned that he hadn't spoken to Kipnis and didn't have much to say about it.

"I haven't talked to him. That's how he feels, it is what it is. I don't really have much to say."

Francisco Lindor silences critics with a walk-off single for the Mets

Lindor quickly silenced any lingering doubts when he delivered a walk-off RBI single in the tenth inning, helping the Mets secure a 10-9 victory over the Guardians. Despite Kipnis trying to take credit for the win, Lindor's performance spoke for itself.

Regardless of what people say about him, Lindor is on track to become the best shortstop in the organisation's history if continues to play well. He is batting .235 this season with 32 RBIs and 6 home runs.