New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor has been named the recipient of Major League Baseball’s Roberto Clemente Award for his humanitarian contributions. The award, given annually to the player who best exemplifies sportsmanship, community involvement, and positive contributions off the field, was presented to Lindor on Monday night before Game 3 of the World Series at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Lindor, a five-time All-Star, is the fifth player of Puerto Rican descent to receive this honor, joining Edgar Martínez, Carlos Delgado, Carlos Beltrán, and Yadier Molina. Within the Mets organization, Lindor is the first player to win since Curtis Granderson in 2016 and the fifth overall following Granderson, Delgado, Al Leiter, and Gary Carter.
The award carries special significance for Lindor, who has long admired Roberto Clemente, a Hall of Fame outfielder and Puerto Rican icon. Clemente, who died in a plane crash in 1972 while delivering aid to earthquake victims in Nicaragua, is remembered not only for his on-field achievements but also for his humanitarian efforts. Lindor has noted that Clemente’s legacy extends far beyond baseball, inspiring him to pursue philanthropy actively.
Lindor and his wife, Katia Regeuro Lindor, have been deeply involved in a variety of charitable initiatives. They regularly distribute backpacks filled with school supplies to students in Queens and organize youth visits to Citi Field focused on dental health, wellness, self-confidence, and mentorship through the “Lindor Smile Tuesdays” program. The couple has also contributed to disaster relief efforts in Puerto Rico following Hurricanes Maria and Fiona, helping to restore athletic facilities in Lindor’s hometown of Caguas.
In 2026, Lindor launched “Lindor’s Leaders,” a leadership development program in partnership with New Balance, aimed at students in Bayside High School’s Sports Medicine Program. The year-long initiative emphasizes mental health, communication, teamwork, and leadership, with Lindor personally mentoring participants. Other recent efforts include collaborations with the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and Dairy Queen for Miracle Treat Day, as well as support for the SEEN Foundation, which assists families affected by cancer or disabilities.
Capital One announced a $100,000 donation to the SEEN Foundation in honor of Lindor’s award. The foundation also recognizes caregivers within these communities. Lindor has credited his philanthropic commitment to the values instilled by his parents and highlighted the role his wife plays behind the scenes in coordinating these efforts. Their three children often participate in the family’s charitable work, reinforcing a shared commitment to giving back.
The Roberto Clemente Award was originally established as the Commissioner's Award before being renamed in Clemente’s honor a year after his death. It remains one of MLB’s most prestigious recognitions for community service and humanitarianism.