New York Mets to open extension talks with Lindor, Conforto, and Syndergaard soon

New York yankees, Francisco Lindor
Sep 25, 2019; Chicago, IL, USA; Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) during the sixth inning against the Chicago White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Mets made perhaps the acquisition of the offseason when they swung a deal with the Cleveland Indians for All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor and starting pitcher Carlos Carrasco. ‘Cookie’, the latter, is signed affordably for the next few seasons, but Lindor is slated to test free agency after the 2021 season unless, of course, the Mets can sign him to an extension.

The infielder has said he is open to the idea of negotiating an extension, but he is also on the record stating that he is not afraid of testing the open market.

The New York Mets know that the success of this offseason will largely depend on their ability to ink the star to a long-term deal before he hits the market.

Mets president Sandy Alderson said on Monday that he expects extension talks to start with Francisco Lindor “relatively soon.” Since the player doesn’t want talks to take place in-season, the two parties have some time before the real action starts.

The Mets should be prepared to pay dearly

The 27-year old is a proven star and still in his prime, and could potentially ask the Mets for $300 million.

There are other two pending free agents in the Mets’ agenda for extensions: Michael Conforto and Noah Syndergaard. Alderson expects the organization to start negotiations with both relatively soon.

“It would be natural for us to at least talk about it and explore the possibilities and options,” explained Alderson. “I expect that we will do that.”

Conforto was among the Mets’ best players in the 2020 season, with a .322/.412/.515 and nine home runs. Syndergaard had to miss the whole campaign while rehabbing from Tommy John surgery performed in March.

For the Mets, the priority order for offering extensions would be Lindor, then Conforto, and then Syndergaard, because he would have to prove that he can come back strong from his major procedure.