After back and forth on years and dollar amounts, discussions over a ravioli and chicken parm dinner and a long staring contest, the Mets and shortstop Francisco Lindor are in agreement on a 10-year, $341 extension, according to Tim Healey of Newsday. Jon Heyman of MLB Network was first to report the two sides were in agreement on a deal.
The Mets acquired Lindor, 27, this offseason along with right-handed pitcher Carlos Carrasco from the Cleveland Indians in exchange for middle infielders Amed Rosario and Andres Gimenez, outfield prospect Isaiah Greene and pitching prospect Josh Wolf.
Lindor, a free agent after the 2021 season, was acquired by the Mets, who believed in their hearts that they could get an extension done with the six-year veteran when they traded for him.
The Puerto Rico native Lindor has appeared in four All-Star Games in his career, has two Silver Slugger awards under his belt, is a two-time Gold Glove recipient and has taken home a Platinum Glove as well.
What Lindor brings to the table was on full display this spring. The switch hitter blasted four home runs and went 19-for-52 at the dish, good for a robust .365/.431/.615 triple slash.
In the field, Lindor has certainly shown off that platinum glove so far this spring. That, in cohesion with his 38 career defensive runs saved (DRS) and 54.0 ultimate zone range (UZR) bodes well for the left side of the Mets’ infield.
Here’s how the deal will break down, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post: Lindor will receive $32 million annually over his 10 years with the Mets. The shortstop will then receive $5 million a year in deferred payments from 2032-41. He is also receiving a $21 million signing bonus.
This contract will go down as by far the richest in Mets franchise history, blowing third baseman David Wright‘s eight-year, $138 million deal he signed prior to the 2013 season out of the water.
