JUPITER, FLORIDA – MARCH 01: A general view of the Franklin batting gloves worn by Francisco Lindor #12 of the New York Mets in the first inning against the Miami Marlins in a spring training game at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium on March 01, 2021 in Jupiter, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
The Mets have one monumental task to complete before worrying about anything else in 2021.
The New York Mets made the blockbuster deal of the offseason to acquire Francisco Lindor. But that was only half of the equation to making him wear a Mets uniform for the next decade-plus.
Lindor remains a free agent following the 2021 season and so far the two sides are simply having beginning conversations about an extension. So what if they can’t agree on a new deal before the start of the season? The star shortstop may wish to push those conversations off and just focus on the season.
The Mets not immediately signing Lindor to an extension remains a big surprise up to this point in March.
Mets cannot let Lindor hit the open market
FanSided MLB insider Robert Murray discussed Lindor’s situation in his latest column. He noted how Opening Day is a “soft” deadline for Lindor to get an extension done.
Murray also spoke to four agents and it is clear Lindor is going to command a deal worth well over $300 million. The question will be if that is in the form of a 12-year deal or something shorter like an eight-year deal with higher annual earnings.
New Mets owner Steve Cohen came in with the promise of spending whatever it takes to win. The team was a finalist in the Trevor Bauer sweepstakes and was linked to just about every star player available this offseason. Not signing Lindor would be a total shock.
These discussions usually take time and it took right up until the July Opening Day for the Los Angeles Dodgers to sign Mookie Betts to his own mega-deal last year. Lindor’s agent may just be advising him to be patient because he is going to get paid what he wants by some team out there.
If that is going to be the Mets, the team is going to have to give up some leverage and realize this was part of the process when acquiring him.