The Mets and Francisco Lindor are reportedly $60 million apart on their extension talks, but MLB Network analyst Dan Plesac thinks the two sides will agree to a deal before Opening Day.
Plesac joined Moose & Maggie on Tuesday to talk Lindor, who he believes is as motivated to get a deal completed before the season starts as the Mets themselves, who have been open in their desire to lock up the superstar shortstop to a long-term deal.
“There’s reason for optimism that I think a deal will get done,” Plesac said. “I think the Mets and owner Steve Cohen want to get a deal done, and I believe Lindor wants to get a deal done. But I think they’re looking at the deal Fernando Tatis Jr. had signed, and it’s always trying to hit a certain number, and we don’t know what that number is.”
According to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com, Lindor’s camp is seeking a deal in the range of 12 years and $385 million, still a ways away from the Mets’ reported offer of 10 years and $325 million. With just over 48 hours until Lindor’s self-imposed deadline hits with the start of the season, there is plenty of ground to make up if a deal is to be reached. But given the motivation from both sides, Plesac believes when Lindor steps in for his first at-bat as a Met, it will be after signing a new contract.
“I know the offer the Mets made…it seems hard to walk away from,” Plesac said. “I think they’re going to get a deal done, but it’s a little bit of a tricky slope because there are going to be some really good free agent shortstops out there. Carlos Correa will be available via free agency, Corey Seager will be available via free agency, so he’s not going to be the only fish that’s going to be out there when the season is over.”
Should the two sides not reach a deal, Lindor would put off talks until the offseason and test free agency, joining a loaded class of free-agent shortstops that will be available to sign this winter, many of whom rival Lindor’s resume as one of the best shortstops in the league.
“That’s the million-dollar question,” Plesac said. “I thought last year in the month of September into October, Corey Seager reestablished himself as a premier player...he may be a little more of a power threat that teams are looking for him to hit the ball out of the ballpark, but I think Lindor can do more things. He can steal you bases and he’s a little more athletic…he’s a game-changer.”
Trevor Story is another candidate that has shown himself to be a superstar at the position, but Plesac believes the Mets already have their shortstop of the future, and they will secure him for the next decade before the season begins.
“He’s had a big spring training, and if the Mets are going to go where they want to go, not just in 2021 but in the next 5-10 years, I think Lindor is their guy,” Plesac said. “I just find it hard to believe that they’re not going to get a deal done between now and Thursday.”
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