Report: Mets offering Lindor $325M deal, star SS wants $385M
The New York Mets have offered shortstop Francisco Lindor an extension worth approximately $325 million over 10 years, sources told Andy Martino of SNY.
However, Lindor wants a deal for 12 years that's closer to $400 million, reports Deesha Thosar of the New York Daily News.
The Mets were reportedly not expecting Lindor's counter to be worth $385 million, which is what he's targeting. The club was told the pact would be valued at less than Mookie Betts' 12-year, $365-million deal he signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers in July 2020.
New York is unwilling to meet Lindor in the middle, a source told Thosar.
The Mets' current offer is believed to be their final one before Lindor's negotiating deadline of Opening Day, reports Jon Heyman of MLB Network.
Lindor hasn’t tipped his hand but it would carry much risk to turn down $325M and play out the season in a new city, new league and tougher division. He’s had a big spring and he’s one of the very best players in baseball, but it’d take guts to leave that pile of $ on the table.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) March 30, 2021
Mets owner Steven Cohen and the 27-year-old star reportedly sat down for dinner Saturday to talk about an extension.
Cohen replied to a tweet on Tuesday, saying he doesn't "see a lot of brainstorming going on" between the Mets and Lindor to find a potential solution in negotiations.
Lindor, who's eligible to become a free agent following this season, has said he won't discuss a new deal after April 1. The four-time All-Star owns a career .285/.346/.488 slash line with 138 home runs and 99 stolen bases.