In a new article, The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal says the Mets “appear likely” to give the newly acquired Francisco Lindor a contract extension worth more than $300 million.
The note came in an article in which Rosenthal also said the team was “increasing [its] focus” on Trevor Bauer after missing out on George Springer.
Rosenthal did not clarify if the Mets and Lindor were close to a deal by any means, but it’s fair to believe that if an extension is ultimately reached, it’ll be near or above that $300 million number. That could change based on how many years the two sides potentially agree on.
At his opening press conference, Lindor said he would be open to an extension before the season started if it “makes sense for both sides.” But if a deal wasn’t reached before then, he didn’t want to discuss a contract once games are being played. The Mets have clearly reciprocated the feeling about wanting to keep the 27-year-old long-term.
Lindor was acquired by the Mets at the beginning of the year along with Carlos Carrasco. He is one of the best–if not the best–shortstops in baseball, and he’ll be worth every penny he’s earned whenever he gets paid.
Some very smart people have looked at what a Lindor contract extension may look over the last year. Dave Szymborski wrote for Fangraphs in March (while Lindor was still with Cleveland) that he should be worth well over $300 million:
Assuming $7.5 million per ZiPS win (this figure still tracks as the best predictor of salaries with this winter’s contracts included) and a discounted rate for his final year of arbitration, ZiPS projects a 10-year extension starting in 2021 as costing $373 million at 5% salary growth and $340 million at 3% salary growth.
The Athletic’s Tim Britton said a couple weeks ago that an 11-year, $330 million deal would make sense for the Mets and Lindor.
We’ll know the answer in the coming months what Lindor and the Mets eventually settle (or don’t settle) on.
