The chances of the New York Mets and Francisco Lindor hammering out a long-term contract extension continue to dwindle.
As first reported by Deesha Thosar of the New York Daily News, that the Mets and Lindor are “in a continued stalemate” as of Wednesday morning. Discussions were not expected to take place for the remainder of the day.
It was the last day before Lindor’s self-assigned Opening Day deadline as he was adamant throughout the offseason after being acquired from the Cleveland Indians that he would not negotiate during the regular season. The 27-year-old superstar will be a free agent following the 2021 campaign if he and the Mets do not come to an agreement.
The Mets have reportedly offered Lindor a 10-year, $325 million contract to which the shortstop’s camp countered with a 12-year, $385 million deal.
While Lindor’s representation appears to be unwilling to move, a source confirmed with amNewYork Metro on Wednesday morning that Mets owner Steve Cohen continues to “stand his ground.”
Should Lindor opt not to accept the Mets’ deal, it will be a prime example of a player betting on himself, which could be seen as a risky move.
Lindor had a down 2020 season, which could be chalked up to the unprecedented circumstances brought on by the pandemic. However, should he struggle to meet expectations in 2021 with the Mets, he’ll have a difficult time finding that exorbitant number on the free-agent market.
On the flip side, should he put up big numbers, that $385 million ask will be warranted — at least in his eyes.
