Mets' Lindor: 'I'm the best shortstop' in baseball
Francisco Lindor is confident he's the best shortstop in MLB.
"Overall? Me," the New York Mets infielder told Sports Illustrated's Tom Verducci when asked who he thinks is the top player at his position. "Because I will do it every single day. I count on myself every single day. Every single day."
Lindor said he's not trying to be arrogant by placing himself atop an impressive shortstop group that includes Trevor Story, Javier Baez, Corey Seager, Fernando Tatis Jr., Trea Turner, and Carlos Correa, among others. He admitted "plenty of them are better than me" in certain aspects of the game.
"There's that fine balance between being confident and being cocky," Lindor said. "Sometimes for me, it's hard to admit to myself who is the best shortstop. Why? Because of that fine balance. I'm confident. I think I'm the best shortstop."
Lindor, Story, Baez, Seager, and Correa are all set to become free agents after the 2021 season. They should comprise one of the greatest shortstop classes in the history of free agency.
Lindor, 27, is the crown jewel of that group and could garner its largest contract if the Mets don't extend him first.
Francisco Lindor, Mets extension talks are expected to begin in earnest this week. Opening Day is at least a soft deadline, so figure about 24 days to get it done.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) March 8, 2021
Whether or not it's the Mets who ink Lindor to a long-term deal, the Puerto Rican should do extremely well on his next contract. Reports suggest he'll earn a pact worth more than $300 million.
Since making his major-league debut in 2015, "Mr. Smile" is a four-time All-Star with two Silver Sluggers and a Platinum Glove to his credit. He's also established himself as a five-tool presence, hitting .285/.346/.488 with 138 homers and 99 steals.