francisco lindor

Mets officially announce Lindor extension: ‘We’re thrilled that Francisco will be a Met for years to come’

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New York Mets

At one point, during early last week, it appeared that the New York Mets would enter the season with no contract extension in place for All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor. The talented infielder had stated he didn’t want to negotiate during the season, and if a deal wasn’t struck by Thusday (Opening Day), he would play out the campaign and test free agency after the World Series.

On Wednesday night, close to midnight, several outlets reported that the Mets had reached an agreement with Lindor, who was acquired in January from the Cleveland Indians alongside Carlos Carrasco, in exchange for shortstops Amed Rosario and Andres Gimenez plus two prospects.

Now, on Monday, the Mets are officially announcing the pact: Francisco Lindor will be in Queens for the next 11 years, as the 10-year, $341 million extension will kick in after the 2021 season.

The Mets are paying for an all-around star

The four-time All-Star, two-time Gold Glove award winner, and two-time Silver Slugger award winner has a career 118 wRC+ and is a known leader and motivator, in addition to his lofty big league resume.

“Today is a great day for the Mets, Mets fans everywhere, Francisco, his teammates and his family,” Owner, Chairman and CEO Steve Cohen said. “Having spent time with Francisco during spring training, he’s an extraordinary talent on the field and an exceptional person off it. This is a great start to opening the season and a big step toward our pursuit of sustained winning… and championships.”

Lindor said last week that he has “$341 million reasons” to go out and play to the best of his abilities every day for the Mets, clarifying that he will work hard to maintain his level of play.

“Francisco brings so much to the Mets — as a player and leader,” said Mets President Sandy Alderson. “His reputation for both preceded him when he joined us and he’s exceeded all of our expectations. His abilities and presence will be critical to our success going forward. We’re thrilled that Francisco will be a Met for years to come.”

Mets’ Francisco Lindor has ‘341 million reasons’ to give his all

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On Wednesday, the New York Mets and Francisco Lindor agreed to a 10-year, $341 million extension that will be added to his current one-year commitment. He will be in Queens until his age-38 season.

That way, the Mets have the star player that new owner Steve Cohen and team president Sandy Alderson coveted since they took over the organization a few months ago. Lindor is third in Wins Above Replacement, or WAR, since the 2015 season, when he made his MLB debut.

When he became the highest-paid shortstop in the world, the Mets’ star called his fiancée, then his sister, and then his dad according to the story told by MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo. He told his father he wanted to scream, but Miguel Lindor told him not to. It was late on Wednesday.

“I’m like, ‘Pops, what are you talking about?’” Francisco Lindor said, laughing. “‘You know when you drive down the highway and you see the billboard for the Powerball that says $300 million? You’re going to tell me you’re not going to scream? I’m going to scream. I want to scream.’”

“Obviously, I’ve been working for this my whole entire life. It wasn’t like I picked out a number and I got it,” he said.

The Mets could get the deal done after days of negotiations

Now, after a few days of seemingly hard stances by both camps, the Mets and the player’s, he can say he got more money than Fernando Tatis, who recently signed a 14-year, $340 deal with the San Diego Padres, and surpassed Mookie Betts’ present-day value. His plan is to make New York his home.

“I know I haven’t been to New York, but the guys, the boys made me feel comfortable around them,” Lindor said. “They made me a part of what they have in the clubhouse, and I love that. I love the opportunity that I have to bring a championship to the city of Queens.”

He is prepared to be the Mets’ franchise player. “When you talk about being the face of an organization, the face of baseball, also a Latin player,” manager Luis Rojas said, “it’s because of his personality. That should be natural for him, just because of all the things he does with his demeanor. And it’s consistent every day.”

“This logo right here means a lot,” Lindor said, pointing to the N and Y in his clothes. “I’ve got to go out there every single day and defend it, and play as hard as I can for this, for what I have on my chest. That’s what it means. That number next to me? That’s what it means. Those are 341 million reasons for me to go out there and play the game the right way.”

Francisco Lindor Agrees To A 10-Year, $341 Million Extension With Mets

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The hours on hours of anxiety for New York Mets fans are finally over as Francisco Lindor will spend the rest of his career in Queens. Deliberations have concluded, and Lindor accepted a 10-year, $341 million extension, which begins after 2021 concludes.

Lindor’s new contract earns him a million more than Fernando Tatis Jr. and is the third-largest total ever given. This puts him right behind the record-breaking deals of Mike Trout and Mookie Betts. Lindor’s deal has no opt-outs, around $50 million in deferral money, and a limited no-trade clause.

If the Mets and Lindor could not agree on a deal before his deadline, it would have become a lingering distraction all season. It may have even pushed Mets fans to unfairly boo him during their home opener. With the extension, the Mets locked up their next face of the franchise who hopes to bring home the first World Series championship since the 1986 season.

The pessimistic fan can no longer claim that Steve Cohen is all talk. Within three months, he revamped a depleted roster the Wilpons left him and made history with Lindor’s new contract. They have crept back into the major market of teams and are ready to compete with the Los Angeles Dodgers for years to come. Of course, Michael Conforto’s contract extension is the next one on the table, but there is a much longer timetable for his.

Mets’ owner Steve Cohen about Francisco Lindor: ‘It takes two to tango’

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New York yankees, Francisco Lindor

Opening Day is just a few hours away, and the New York Mets and star shortstop Francisco Lindor, who is on the last year of arbitration and will be a free agent after the season, remain apart by about $60 million in his contract extension negotiations.

The Mets acquired Lindor and pitcher Carlos Carrasco at the start of the year in a trade. New York knew that Lindor was going to command a contract north of $300 million, but they didn’t expect his asking price to approach $400 million.

Right now, the Mets are offering a 10-year pact worth $325 million, while Lindor’s camp is asking for a 12-year commitment worth $385 million. The player established Opening Day as a hard deadline for contract negotiations.

“Lindor is a heckuva player and a great guy,” Mets’ owner Steve Cohen said. “I hope he decides to sign.” Cohen and Lindor reportedly had dinner over the weekend to discuss a potential agreement, but as of Wednesday morning, the two sides aren’t close. That could change, though.

The Mets could be approaching record territory

For reference, the 12-year, $385 million contract would be the second-largest guaranteed pact in American professional sports history, behind only Mike Trout’s Angels deal worth $426.5 million.

“I hope they pay him $400 million,” Mets’ teammate Pete Alonso said of Lindor. “He’s worth every penny.”

Cohen’s tone is that of a disappointed man about the turn that the negotiations have taken in the last few days. He also said that “it takes two to tango,” clearly referencing that he wants Lindor to lower his demands.

Here are the largest contracts in MLB history, per the league’s official site:

Mike Trout, Angels: 12 years, $426.5 million

Mookie Betts, Dodgers: 12 years, $365 million

Fernando Tatis Jr., Padres: 14 years, $340 million

Bryce Harper, Nationals: 13 years, $330 million

Giancarlo Stanton, Yankees (signed with the Miami Marlins): 13 years, $325 million

New York Mets: Give Francisco Lindor Years (And Money) He Deserves

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Opening Day is less than 48 hours away, and the time to re-sign Francisco Lindor is quickly dwindling away. The New York Mets have made their offer of 10-years/$325 million, and Lindor countered with a 12-year/$385 million offer. Lindor’s camp said they are not budging on their offer, but one expensive variable remains. Will Steve Cohen open up the wallet more to secure his superstar?

Just discussing an extension this large is an example of the franchise’s growth since Cohen purchased the team. The Wilpons would never acquire a player of Lindor’s talent (unless he was 36 years old) and then contemplate offering a $300+ million extension. The Mets offer has Lindor earning a $32.5 million AAV, while Lindor’s offer gets him an AAV of just over $32 million. Negotiations are not about the money; they are about the length of the deal. After years of watching great talent leave them to win elsewhere, why waste the best talent they have acquired?

Who Cares About Two Extra Years?

To put things in perspective, it will be 2033 when Lindor’s 12-year deal finally concludes. Current Manager Luis Rojas will be 52, Steve Cohen will be 77, Jacob deGrom will be 45, and Jarred Kelenic will be 34. For anyone to have any idea about how Lindor’s deal will affect the “30s” Mets roster is speaking out of a part that cannot be mentioned in this article.

Another way to look at it is that not a single Met from their 2009 roster is still with the team. Oliver Perez and Darren O’Day are the only 2 out of 53 players who are still on big-league rosters. The Mets have to get themselves through the decade that just started before worrying about the following one.

If the first ten years of Lindor result in at least one championship, would anyone complain about having him for two more seasons? The Mets organization and its fans have been through too much pain and turmoil since 1986 to worry about the last two years of a potential hall of fame career. This discussion is with only one World Series mentioned. If multiple rings came to Flushing, the Lindor statue would glow in front of Citi Field before he retires.

Jacob deGrom’s Cy Young caliber years can no longer waste away on losing teams, and he will produce greatly if given the opportunity in the postseason. Getting Lindor here was the first act to change the franchise, and act two ensures that he will finish his career in blue and orange. The extension is the final piece to show the Mets are as legitimate as their cross-country rivals in the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Make The Commitment

Lindor is a modern-day ironman, averaging 154 games in his first four full seasons and playing in all 60 during 2020. He was an All-Star in all four seasons with three top-10 MVP finishes. Lindor also won two Silver Sluggers, two Gold Glove Awards, and a Platinum Glove award. The Mets have not had a two-time Silver Slugger winner since David Wright (2007-08) and a two-time Gold Glover since Wright and Carlos Beltran (2007-08).

Lindor’s worst season in 2020 was better than any season Amed Rosario will ever play at shortstop. Even if the Mets attempt to test the free-agent waters, none of the shortstops compare to Lindor. He has recorded three consecutive seasons of a 40% or better hard-hit rate to go along with his 39 career defensive runs saved. Lindor is a 20 stolen base, 30 home run, 40 doubles player who puts him in the same boat as the other MVP candidates in baseball.

Steve Cohen made it clear that he expects to deliver a World Series winner in 3-5 years and keeping Lindor is the foundation to achieving that goal. Lindor’s all-around talent, splendid leadership, and fan-favorite ability make him as worthy as David Wright was to the franchise. Despite the stalemate between both sides, Mets fans should continue to be hopeful that a deal will be completed all the way up to 7:09 p.m. on Opening Day.

New York Mets: The latest in the Francisco Lindor contract extension negotiations

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New York Mets

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.

New York Mets: Francisco Lindor and Steve Cohen meet for dinner as contract extension deadline nears

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When the New York Mets surrendered four players, including two exciting young shortstops in Amed Rosario and Andres Gimenez, to get Francisco Lindor for the Cleveland Indians, they knew there were no guarantees that he would agree to spend his long-term future in New York. However, owner Steve Cohen and the front office knew that they have as good a shot as anyone to lure him to the Big Apple and get his signature in a contract extension.

The New York Mets, so far, have been impressed by Lindor’s on and off the field, and more than ever, want to get something done. If they don’t agree to a contract before Opening Day this week, the Mets will have to wait until after the season to renegotiate, as Lindor imposed that deadline a few days ago. The problem is that, after the World Series, the All-Star infielder will be a free agent and other clubs will enter the bidding.

According to Mets manager Luis Rojas and others, Cohen spent a night dining with Lindor over the weekend, and it’s fair to assume that the contract extension was among the conversation topics. The owner, very active on his Twitter account, hinted at the meal on the platform as he replied to a question by saying: “The ravioli wasn’t very good.”

The Mets should expect to pay at least $300 million

The floor for a Lindor contract extension is said to be $300 million, and the shortstop already turned down an offer in the $200 million neighborhood back when he played in Cleveland.

The Mets are reportedly ‘prepared’ to go big for Lindor and fellow extension candidate Michael Conforto. The player is helping his case with a strong spring, batting .365/.431/.615 in 16 games.

“He’s been a great asset so far,” Rojas said. “So we can’t wait to watch him in the season performing to help us win games, like we expect.”

New York Mets: Peterson Pitches Well, Bullpen Not So Much in 7-3 Loss

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New York Mets, David Peterson

The New York Mets have some questions behind their quartet of top-tier relievers, and Robert Gsellman and Stephen Tarpley continued to heighten the need for reliable middle relievers. After a scoreless seventh inning, the Washington Nationals roughed up Gsellman in the eighth inning.

Josh Bell‘s majestic opposite solo home run tied the game at three and almost cleared the scoreboard. Gerardo Parra put the Nats in the lead with an RBI single giving them a 4-3 lead. They added a two-run homer from Luis Garcia and RBI single from Adrian Sanchez to complete the 7-3 victory.

David Peterson was in line for the win before the blown save from Gsellman. Peterson pitched six solid innings with four hits and two runs allowed. The Nats did a bulk of their damage during the fourth inning, with three hits and two runs in their top half. Singles from Josh Harrison and Hernan Perez were the only damage against the slender lefty. Peterson only struck out two but was very effective in the outing. He did not allow a hit for the first half of his start.

Manager Luis Rojas hopes to have a second lefty in the bullpen, but Tarpley squandered one of his final opportunities to make the roster. Tarpley allowed four hits and three runs, including the Garcia homer, and only retired one batter. Due to their rough outings, Gsellman and Tarpley made their route to the Opening Day roster bumpier. Tylor Megill came in and prevented more runs from being charged to Tarpley’s ledger in the ninth.

The Mets offense recorded 12 hits but only pushed 3 runs across. James McCann‘s RBI single provided the first run during the second inning. The other two runs came in the sixth when Dominic Smith lucked into an RBI triple on a dribbler that Bell misplayed at first base and J.D. Davis lined an RBI single over a drawn-in infield. McCann and Francisco Lindor were the two Mets with multiple hits on the night.

On Saturday, the Mets play another home game when the Houston Astros visit Clover Park. Bryan Abreu (1-0, 3.68 ERA) takes the mound against opener Jacob Barnes (0-1, 5.40 ERA). Barnes opens up for Joey Lucchesi for the 1:10 p.m. ET start on SNY.

 

Mets reportedly ‘prepared to spend big’ amid contract negotiations with Lindor and Conforto

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New York Mets

The New York Mets were pretty aggressive during the offseason, bidding on just about every top free agent available. They were in on George Springer and Trevor Bauer, but a trade ended up being their most important move. And when all is said and done, that will turn out to be OK if they are able to sign one or both of their next targets.

Shortstop Francisco Lindor and outfielder Michael Conforto will be free agents after the season, but the Mets have the power to prevent that. They can sign both to long-term extensions and flex some of that financial muscle they currently boast, having the richest owner in MLB.

Of course, the idea is not spending for the sake of it. But in this case, both targets are young, talented, and with an extensive track record of success. Locking them up would be a coup.

In six seasons and 777 career games, Lindor has a .285 batting average, 138 homers, 411 RBI, a .346 OBP, a .488 slugging percentage, and 28.8 career WAR.

Conforto, who has played all of his career with the Mets, has a .259/.358/.484 line with 118 dingers, 341 RBI and 14.5 WAR.

The Mets have a deadline to deal with

Both men told the Mets they don’t want to negotiate during the season, as it would be a distraction. If they don’t reach a deal before Opening Day, they will test the market.

So, for the Mets, the clock is ticking. But according to Tim Healey of Newsday, the Mets are mentally and financially prepared to spend big in the near future to retain their stars.

“We have plenty of capacity,” Mets president Sandy Alderson recently told Healey. “Whether that flexibility is exercised later this month or next year, we don’t know. But always having options and maintaining that flexibility is important.”

The Mets would prefer to stay under the luxury tax threshold for 2020, which is $210 million, and they are currently around $200 million.

According to Alderson, even the richest organizations like the Mets should pick their spots.

“Big-market teams typically have more choices available to them,” Alderson said. “But you still have to be patient, you still have to be discerning. And you also have to have an eye on the future.

“It’s easy to, within the framework of one season, spend money on what you hope is a successful year. But you have to keep in mind what the impact of those decisions in the current year are going to have on future years.”

New York Mets: Offense Goes Silent in 3-0 Loss to Cardinals

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Carlos Martinez has finally figured out a way to shut down the New York Mets in the St. Louis Cardinals 3-0 victory. Martinez had a spring ERA over 10 heading into the outing but righted himself with a dominant outing. He threw six scoreless innings, allowing four hits, and struck out five.

The offense could not muster any consistent offense. They had at least one runner on base in five of Martinez’s six innings but could not parlay it to any run. Despite the slow team offense, Francisco Lindor recorded another hit and moved his spring average to .341. Jeff McNeil‘s double was the only extra-base hit as he tries to get himself out of a cold spell.

Originally Taijuan Walker was scheduled to pitch, but the Mets threw him in the “B” game and started Corey Oswalt. He rebounded from an ugly outing to deliver four innings, holding the Cards to one run. It came on John Nogowski‘s solo home run in the second inning; Nogowski is hitting a scorching 11-for-26 (.423) with two home runs and 11 RBIs. After the homer, Oswalt retired the last seven Cardinals he faced.

After Oswalt, Jeurys Familia and Dellin Betances delivered scoreless innings with a walk and strikeout. Miguel Castro struck out two and hit 100 mph on the radar gun to continue his brilliant month. Castro has allowed just one hit over 5.1 innings in March. Jerry Blevins was touched up for the final two Cardinal runs in the eighth inning.

The Mets get Thursday off before returning to Clover Park to face the Washington Nationals. Kyle McGowin (2-0, 2.35 ERA) starts against David Peterson (0-0, 4.50 ERA) at 6:10 p.m. ET.