Photo: USA Today
With less than three days left until superstar shortstop Francisco Lindor’s self-imposed Opening Day deadline, there have been numerous reports about the latest extension talks between Lindor’s camp and the Mets on Monday night.
As first pointed out by SNY’s Andy Martino earlier in the night, the Mets had an offer of approximately 10 years, $325 million out to Lindor.
MLB Network’s Jon Heyman has confirmed this report as well, and said that offer was higher than the Mets’ originally planned number. This is also believed to be the Mets’ best and final offer.
However, not much later Newsday’s Tim Healey reported that Lindor had already declined that offer, and his team countered with a $385 million deal over 12 years, which would be the second largest contract in MLB history.
A source told Deesha Thosar of the Daily News the Mets were told that an extension would be less than Mookie Betts’ 12 year, $365 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Thosar says the source added the Mets are unwilling to meet Lindor’s team in the middle.
The 27-year old has said throughout camp he’s open to a contract extension, though if no deal is reached he will test free agency. The “final offer” from the Mets would more than double David Wright’s eight year, $138 million deal, which is currently the largest contract in team history.
Lindor enjoyed himself a very nice spring, hitting .365 with four homers and a 1.063 OPS which was the twelfth best in baseball. Just in camp, he has already shown how much he means to this team both on and off the field.
Lindor and team owner Steve Cohen met for dinner together on Saturday night, and reports over the past couple of days have indicated there appeared to be momentum towards a deal. However, with the recent developments, the two sides still appear to be mile’s apart.
Although, sources MMO’s own Michael Mayer has talked to still feel optimistic a deal will get done before Opening Day.
Keep it peeled to MMO for the latest on these negotiations.
