Mets owner decides to 'crowdsource' Lindor extension

And they say Major League Baseball teams don't negotiate in public.

New York Mets owner and billionaire hedge fund manager Steven Cohen took to Twitter on Friday to ask fans how much money they think it'll take to get superstar shortstop Francisco Lindor to accept an offer.

Cohen opted to have some fun with some of the replies, particularly after one person suggested offering Lindor a six-year, $180-million pact:

While Cohen musing publicly about a deal would seem to indicate the team is serious about extending Lindor, the owner made it clear the Mets aren't close to finalizing anything:

New York acquired Lindor and Carlos Carrasco in a blockbuster deal this offseason that sent Andres Gimenez, Amed Rosario, and prospects to the Cleveland Indians.

Lindor, 27, will be eligible for free agency for the first time in his career following the 2021 season and is reportedly seeking well over $300 million. He set Opening Day as the deadline to reach a contract extension with the Mets. Earlier this winter, the San Diego Padres inked Fernando Tatis Jr. to a 14-year, $340-million contract.

Over his six-year career, Lindor has hit .285/.346/.488 with 138 home runs and 99 stolen bases while making four All-Star appearances and collecting two Gold Gloves and a pair of Silver Slugger awards. Lindor has finished in the top 10 of MVP voting three times and accrued a total of 29.2 WAR, which ranks first among qualified shortstops since the beginning of 2015, according to FanGraphs.

Lindor has posted a 1.059 OPS while hitting four homers in 13 spring games with the Mets.