Top 15 Defensive Plays by Francisco Lindor
Francisco Lindor’s glove work has dazzled fans and frustrated hitters with plays that defy logic and showcase pure athleticism.
- Chris Graciano
- 4 min read
Francisco Lindor isn’t just one of baseball’s brightest personalities — he’s a defensive wizard at shortstop. From jaw-dropping stops deep in the hole to slick double plays that leave crowds speechless, Lindor has made defense an art form. Here are 15 of his most iconic plays that prove he’s one of the best fielders of his generation.
15. Fake Throw Trick vs. Phillies (2021)
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Lindor faked a throw to first, freezing the baserunner between bags before tagging him out himself. His baseball IQ was off the charts. It looked casual, but it was brilliant.
14. Full Extension Dive vs. Mariners (2016)
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On a sharp grounder toward the hole, Lindor laid out full extension to snag it, then gunned it to first. His range and reach stunned the batter.
13. One-Handed Snag vs. Rays (2019)
Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Charging a tricky infield bouncer, Lindor fielded it with one hand and released a sidearm dart to first. The runner never had a chance. It was slick and efficient.
12. Quick Relay vs. Angels (2022)
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After a deep shot to center, Lindor received the relay and threw a perfect throw to home to cut down a runner. It was textbook team defense, and Lindor was the keystone.
11. Sliding Grab vs. A’s (2020)
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Lindor ranged into shallow left and slid feet-first to scoop up a blooper. He popped up and nearly doubled off the runner at second.
10. Spin Move vs. Astros (2018)
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He gloved a tough grounder, spun in one clean motion, and fired to first for the out. The full-speed ballet was textbook Lindor. Balance, speed, and accuracy — he checked every box.
9. Behind-the-Back Toss vs. Red Sox (2017)
Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
On a tricky hop, Lindor faked a spin and flicked the ball behind his back to start a double play. The creativity and timing were unreal. It was one of the flashiest assists you’ll ever see.
8. Jump Throw vs. Braves (2021)
Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Ranging to his right, Lindor made a Derek Jeter-style jump throw across his body. The ball zipped to first on a line. It was pure showmanship backed by precision.
7. Tag Play at Second vs. Nationals (2022)
Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
Lindor took a bullet throw from the catcher and applied a lightning-quick swipe tag. The runner barely got his foot down.
6. Over-the-Shoulder Catch vs. Tigers (2016)
Raj Mehta-Imagn Images
Backpedaling on a blooper to shallow center, Lindor tracked the ball over his shoulder and made the grab on the run. It looked more like a wide receiver move than a shortstop play.
5. Off-Balance Throw vs. White Sox (2021)
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Racing into the outfield grass, Lindor snagged a chopper and made a spinning throw to first. The off-balance toss was right on the money.
4. Glove Flip Assist vs. Twins (2019)
David Berding-Imagn Images
From behind second base, Lindor flipped the ball with his glove to start a double play. It was a no-look, no-hesitation play — just elite instincts on full display.
3. Leaping Snag vs. Blue Jays (2017)
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
With a liner screaming toward left field, Lindor leapt high and snagged it midair. His timing was perfect, saving an extra-base hit. Fans erupted in disbelief.
2. Diving Stop and Flip vs. Royals (2018)
Peter G. Aiken-Imagn Images
Lindor dove to his right to stop a hard grounder, then flipped it from his knees to start a double play. His reflexes and quick decision-making made the impossible look routine.
1. Barehanded Grab vs. Yankees (2016)
David Richard-Imagn Images
Charging a slow roller, Lindor barehanded the ball and fired a rocket to first in one motion. The throw beat the runner by inches. The smooth execution looked effortless.