With just hours until his self-imposed deadline of Opening Day, the Mets and Francisco Lindor have come to terms on an extension.
The two sides struck a deal late Wednesday night, with the 27-year-old superstar agreeing to a 10-year, $341-million contract, $1 million more than fellow shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. signed for earlier this offseason.
Lindor’s current contract will still exist in 2021, and his new contract will come into play next season, meaning he will be under contract with New York until his age-38 season.
The two sides had reportedly been far apart on contract talks, with the Mets holding tight at 10 years and $325 million, while Lindor’s camp asked for 12 years and $385 million. The two sides met nearly right in the middle.
The deal comes shortly before talks would have stalled, as Lindor had repeatedly stated that he would halt negotiations once Opening Day arrived to focus on the season, and would test free agency next offseason. That cloud of uncertainty will no longer hang over Citi Field, as the Mets have their new face of the franchise, and new owner Steve Cohen has his first big splash signing.
Lindor raked in spring training, hitting four home runs and posting a 1.063 OPS. He makes his Mets debut when the team opens the season Thursday night against the Nationals.
Follow Ryan Chichester on Twitter: @ryanchichester1
LISTEN NOW on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow Audacy Sports
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram