The New York Mets introduced new shortstop Francisco Lindor to the media today via a zoom call. Of course, one of the topics discussed early in the conversation was the possibility of a long-term extension.
Lindor and his representation at SportsMeter have yet to begin contract negotiations with the Mets. That said, Lindor isn’t against the possibility of staying in New York long-term. Per the Athletic’s Tim Britton (via Twitter), Lindor said, “I live life day by day. I’m extremely happy and excited about what’s happening right now, but I haven’t really sat down and talked to anybody (about an extension). I have never been against an extension…. We’ll see what happens.”
Lindor made clear, however, that if there is to be an extension, he expects it to be completed before the seasons begins, per Britton and others. That’s been Lindor’s policy in the past, and he does not intend to change his stance this year. With spring training a little more than a month away, the Mets and Lindor have enough time to hammer out an extension, but they have a smaller window than the Mets might prefer.
Lindor was acquired last week from the Indians after Cleveland failed to reach an extension with their star shortstop. Lindor acknowledged that both sides made a good effort to get an extension done, but it just didn’t happen, per the Athletic’s Zack Meisel (via Twitter). The Indians offer never got as high as $300MM, and any extension Lindor signs will certainly cross that threshold. Despite the breakdown in negotiations and the eventual trade, Lindor had only positive things to say about his time in Cleveland, notes Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY (via Twitter).