CLEVELAND — One of the things that makes Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor such an easy player to love is his effervescent personality.
Frankie legitimately enjoys what he does as a Major League Baseball player and his joy is infectious for his teammates, coaching staff, and for fans. You love that he loves to play. He's 'Mr. Smile.'
Lindor's personality is a throwback to former Indian second baseman Carlos Baerga, who is representing the Tribe as an ambassador during All-Star Game festivities this week. The three-time All-Star stopped by our booth at PLAY BALL Park on Friday and had a message for Lindor, who can be a free agent after the 2021 season.
"I want him to stay here with us for a long time," Baerga told us. "You better not go nowhere, stay with us in Cleveland."
(See our entire Carlos Baerga interview in the player above)
Lindor's future became a topic of some stress for the Indians at the start of the season after owner Paul Dolan told The Athletic that fans should “enjoy him (Lindor) and then we'll see what happens." During an interview with our Jim Donovan on Opening Day, Dolan clarified his comments, saying that the Tribe would "look for ways that he can stay a Cleveland Indian."
Despite missing time earlier this year with calf and ankle injuries, the four-time All-Star is hitting .293 with 12 homers and 30 RBI as the Tribe continues to surge heading into the All-Star break.