Free-agent signings James McCann and Trevor May were shrewd, sensible additions by the Mets, but when your owner is Steve Cohen—the 144th-richest individual on Earth, according to Forbes—only a generation-defining mega-star will do. Now enter Francisco Lindor, a four-time All-Star in the prime of his career and the Mets' newest foundation piece. The two-time Gold Glove recipient arrived Thursday in a trade with Cleveland, where Lindor spent his first six MLB seasons.
The former eighth overall pick is due $19.5 million in 2021, his final year of salary arbitration, and while New York received widespread praise in the immediate aftermath of last week's blockbuster, Lindor's looming free agency does complicate matters slightly. It's doubtful the Mets would have okayed a deal of this immense magnitude without some level of optimism that Lindor could be talked into a lucrative extension - one Lindor said he actually broached in Cleveland, obviously without success.
"We talked and gave it our best effort from both sides," Lindor said. "We were honest with each other, but nothing happened. I'll leave it at that. For a long time I told the Indians to hold on to me, but they couldn't come up with the number."
A long-term union would seem to make sense for both sides—the 27-year-old is eyeing nine figures and no one in MLB has deeper pockets than hedge-fund behemoth Uncle Stevie. Playing devil's advocate, Lindor's patience has paid off to this point. What's the harm in waiting another year to get paid, maximizing his earning potential on the open market by facilitating a free-agent bidding war?
"I live life day by day. I'm extremely excited about right now, but I haven't talked to anyone about (an extension)," he said. "I have never been against an extension and signing long-term, it just has to make sense for both sides. We'll see what happens."
That's not much of a commitment, and it's notable Lindor never negotiated with Cleveland during the regular season.
"Before Spring Training, yes, but once we get into Spring Training, it's time to enjoy the ride and focus on winning, because that's the sole focus," he said.
Assuming Lindor sticks to that blanket policy - and based on him referencing how Mookie Betts, for one, "fell into a situation he loved" in LA but didn't say that about New York, it's likely - that gives the Mets a month or two tops to hammer out an extension. Of course, with uncertainty growing over MLB's expiring CBA (which could prompt a work stoppage in 2022) and teams taking their penny-pinching to new heights this offseason in response to COVID, Lindor could risk overplaying his hand by resisting the Mets' overtures.
"I have never said I can't wait to get to free agency, because that was always so far ahead with me. It was more something I just knew might become a reality," he said, "but I'd be lying if I said it wasn't in my mind this winter."
Betts indeed signed a 12-year extension with Los Angeles before he even played an inning for the Dodgers, and Lindor would probably be wise to follow suit if presented a similar opportunity. In the meantime, Lindor is just excited to grab a New York slice.
Carlos Carrasco, who was also traded to the Mets from Cleveland last week, shares Lindor's pizza enthusiasm. Carrasco—who goes by the nickname "Cookie"—claims he once ordered Domino's every night for three months straight early in his career. If Carrasco has had enough Domino's for one lifetime, perhaps Michael Scott can offer a recommendation.
LISTEN NOW on the RADIO.COM App
Follow RADIO.COM Sports
Twitter | Facebook I Instagram
