Francisco Lindor learned to field chaotic, accelerating ground balls bouncing down a rocky hillside in Caguas, Puerto Rico, building the elite reflexes that made him one of the game's defining shortstops. Known as Mr. Smile, he evolved from that hill into a generational talent and Mets cornerstone.

This deep dive follows his journey through a brilliant defensive floor, the crucible of a record-breaking New York contract, and a body increasingly tested by injury as he entered his 30s.

• Turned down a Florida State scholarship after Cleveland drafted him eighth overall in 2011, then rose quickly on the strength of his defense.
• Won a gold glove and platinum glove in 2016 as the first Puerto Rican shortstop to win gold, and later hit a postseason grand slam against the Yankees.
• Traded to the Mets in 2021 and signed a 10 ...