Mets: 3 future free agents the Mets will have a real chance to sign

7-year, $240 million deal for SS Francisco Lindor in 2021-22

The shortstop market heading into next offseason leaves the Mets poised to make a big splash even if they don’t trade for SS Francisco Lindor this offseason like many fans seem to be clamoring for.

Apart from Lindor, Javier Báez, Carlos Correa, Corey Seager, or Trevor Story would all provide the Mets with a quality bat while improving their defense up the middle. Each of these former All-Stars are also set to hit free agency after the 2021 season should their teams not extend them beforehand.

In fact, if each of these players reach the open market in the 2022 offseason, it might be one of the best shortstop classes in recent memory. Even though it’s unlikely that at least three of these five players won’t be extended by their teams before then, it still affords the Mets front office with an opportune moment to capitalize on the chance to sign one of these stars.

In doing so, they would gain the opportunity to shop around Amed Rosario, Andrés Giménez, or top prospect Ronny Mauricio to potential buyers to strengthen other positions.

Still, there’s no denying that Lindor is the best option for them out of this talent pool; and if the Mets must go shopping for a premium shortstop, then this 28-year-old, 4-time All-star is their best bet. Since it’s assumed the shortstop will be traded by the Cleveland Indians prior to Opening Day this upcoming season, the Mets would need to trade for Lindor this offseason in order to sign him long term.

But if they chose to wait until next offseason given Giménez’s impressive debut in 2020, a Carlos Correa or Trevor Story addition would also be interesting contracts to pursue. And more importantly – it would save the Mets trade capital for our next player.