The New York Mets want to sign All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor to a long-term deal. The infielder, so far, has given every indication that he likes New York and the club, so he is interested in staying for the long haul. The two sides are negotiating.
Yet, Lindor doesn’t want to negotiate once the regular season starts this week, so the Mets only have a handful of days to get a deal done. Otherwise, they may lose their star to free agency, as other teams will be able to enter the bidding after the World Series is over.
New York Mets’ owner Steve Cohen had dinner with Lindor over the weekend, and the extension likely was a conversation theme during the evening. There is some hope that they can get something done this week, but it is not a given by any means.
In fact, multiple outlets reported in the last few hours that the Mets and Lindor’s camp are still far in negotiations. The team is offering a 10-year, $325 million deal, whereas the shortstop wants something closer to $400 million, which would be nearing Mike Trout territory.
The Mets’ put an offer on the table
The latest news has Lindor lowering his demands to 12 years and $385 million, but the Mets would have to think twice about having a 40-year old shortstop at some point in the deal.
Anthony DiComo of MLB.com said the 10-year pact that Lindor currently has on the table was the Mets’ “best and final” offer.
While a phone call from either side might change the outcome of the negotiations very quickly, it’s clear that there is still a significant gap between the two parties.
Lindor, 27, is having a nice spring, and even though he didn’t have a particularly good 2020 season, he is a career 118 wRC+ hitter with speed and elite defense. A resolution could be coming in the next few hours, one way or the other.