The baseball world is buzzing, and not just because of Francisco Lindor’s stellar playoff performances. What’s raising eyebrows is the sight of Chipper Jones, a man who named his kid Shea as a jab at Mets fans, now pushing for a potential MVP nod to head New York’s way. Yes, that Chipper Jones, the Braves legend who spent his career tormenting the Mets and earning the eternal hatred of their fanbase. But now? He’s singing the praises of Francisco Lindor.
For those who missed it, Lindor launched a grand slam in the Mets’ NLDS-clinching win over the Phillies. It was a shot that sealed the team’s trip to their first NLCS since 2015. As Citi Field erupted, he stayed cool, calmly rounding the bases without so much as cracking a smile. In a moment that could’ve sent anyone into a wild celebration, Lindor’s reaction was almost cold-blooded.
That kind of reaction is exactly the type of thing that would get Chipper Jones excited. In an era where guys like Fernando Tatis Jr. are all about firing up their team and hyping up the crowd, Lindor kept his cool. Chipper’s never been a fan of the flashy, over-the-top celebrations that are now a regular part of the game. So when Lindor belted that game-sealing grand slam and acted like he’d been there before, it probably felt like a breath of fresh air to someone like Chipper.
But still, it’s a little strange to see these former rivals exchanging compliments. Chipper was the Mets’ biggest nemesis for years, a thorn in their side who consistently delivered big moments against them. Could this be a play to win back some of the New York fans who once despised him? Or maybe it’s just a case of one great player tipping his cap to another.
Either way, Braves fans shouldn’t worry too much. Francisco Lindor is playing at an elite level on the biggest stage, and he’s earning respect from all over the league, even from Hall of Famers like Chipper Jones. It’s a testament to just how good Lindor has been—and it’s perfectly natural for someone who respects the game to give credit where it’s due, even if that credit goes to a New York Met.
