Mets News: Francisco Lindor extension talks starting soon

The New York Mets biggest move this offseason by all objective and subjective accounts was trading for former Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor. Not only is he a four-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove winner, but he plays a position that has few star players. The league isn’t replete with shortstops who can both hit well and defend well, and the Mets were fortunate enough to acquire one of those shortstops who can.

As a result, Lindor can expect to command an inordinate sum of money once extension talks commence, and if the latest reports are true, contract negotiations will be starting very soon. CBS Sports reported that Mets president Sandy Alderson said on Monday that the team will begin contract extension talks with Lindor soon, with the hope that they could come to terms on a contract before the regular season starts.

According to Sports Illustrated, Lindor has expressed his desire to not have contract negotiations to drag on during the regular season, which would create an unnecessary distraction for himself and the club.

The New York Mets have a big decision to make soon in regards to how much they want to pay their newly acquired shortstop Francisco Lindor.

It is reasonable to expect that these contract negotiations will not go smoothly. Despite Mets owner Steve Cohen having deep pockets, they are cognizant of the fact that in order to build a deep team across all levels, they cannot tie all of their financial resources in a handful of players. However, for the Mets to keep Lindor past this season, they may have to spend more than they would prefer.

What works in Lindor’s favor is that he just turned 27 and is therefore entering the prime of his career and that he plays an important position. As highlighted above, Lindor also plays a position where the all-around talent level is minimal, which only helps his case in commanding a larger salary.

Expect Lindor to start contract talks by pointing to Manny Machado’s contract with the San Diego Padres. In that instance, Machado was able to command a 10-year, $300 million deal. While very few players are worth that type of money, Lindor will have a strong argument in favor of receiving that type of deal.

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Lindor is not the only Mets player who is up for an extension before the conclusion of the 2021 season. Noah Syndergaard and Michael Conforto, two players who are key to the team’s success going forward, also become free agents at the end of 2021, so expect the Mets to actively engage with them as well as Spring Training continues.