When the New York Mets surrendered four players, including two exciting young shortstops in Amed Rosario and Andres Gimenez, to get Francisco Lindor for the Cleveland Indians, they knew there were no guarantees that he would agree to spend his long-term future in New York. However, owner Steve Cohen and the front office knew that they have as good a shot as anyone to lure him to the Big Apple and get his signature in a contract extension.
The New York Mets, so far, have been impressed by Lindor’s on and off the field, and more than ever, want to get something done. If they don’t agree to a contract before Opening Day this week, the Mets will have to wait until after the season to renegotiate, as Lindor imposed that deadline a few days ago. The problem is that, after the World Series, the All-Star infielder will be a free agent and other clubs will enter the bidding.
According to Mets manager Luis Rojas and others, Cohen spent a night dining with Lindor over the weekend, and it’s fair to assume that the contract extension was among the conversation topics. The owner, very active on his Twitter account, hinted at the meal on the platform as he replied to a question by saying: “The ravioli wasn’t very good.â€
The Mets should expect to pay at least $300 million
The floor for a Lindor contract extension is said to be $300 million, and the shortstop already turned down an offer in the $200 million neighborhood back when he played in Cleveland.
The Mets are reportedly ‘prepared’ to go big for Lindor and fellow extension candidate Michael Conforto. The player is helping his case with a strong spring, batting .365/.431/.615 in 16 games.
“He’s been a great asset so far,†Rojas said. “So we can’t wait to watch him in the season performing to help us win games, like we expect.â€