Francisco Lindor sets deadline for Mets contract talks
Francisco Lindor’s “day by day” approach to life keeps him tethered to the present, but he admits his mind has drifted this offseason to his potential free agency.
But the Mets’ star shortstop, acquired last week from Cleveland in a blockbuster trade, also is willing to forgo that freedom for a new contract, with the caveat that talks conclude before the season begins.
“I have never negotiated a contract during the season,” Lindor said Monday in an introductory Zoom press conference. “Once it gets to a point in spring training, it’s time to enjoy the ride and focus on winning and that is the only thing I should be focused on. Not how much money I am going to get, how much money do I need to get. It’s about focusing on what I have every day, my task.”
The 27-year-old Lindor, who arrived with pitcher Carlos Carrasco in a trade for Andres Gimenez, Amed Rosario, Josh Wolf and Isaiah Greene, indicated he had substantial contract discussions with Cleveland and a “great effort” was provided by both sides in trying to reach an agreement.
It’s likely Lindor will command a long-term contract in the $300 million neighborhood, putting him on a level reached by Mookie Betts and Manny Machado, among others.
“For a long time I thought the Indians could hold on to me, so it was just they didn’t come up with the number,” Lindor said. “They didn’t have the resources maybe. I am excited I am in a good place that is ready to go win and I am looking forward to it.”
Lindor, who has won two Gold Gloves and helped Cleveland reach the World Series in 2016, said he would prefer to be viewed as somebody who can help the Mets win rather than a player who will carry the team.
“I have never been the type of player like, ‘Follow me, I will lead you to success,’ ” Lindor said. “I have always been a person that together we all can achieve what we want. That is what I am bringing.
“I am, ‘Let’s find a way to do this together. I know you guys have a great thing going on, I just want to be a little piece of that puzzle. I am not trying to get a rope and hold the rope, and I’ll pull you guys. We are all grabbing the rope right next to each other and we are looking forward.’ That is the best way of doing things and we all are going to lead by example, not just for us, but for everybody in the stands and everybody that is counting on us.”
Lindor said he’s already spoken with Michael Conforto, Pete Alonso, Marcus Stroman, James McCann and Tomas Nido (a former teammate growing up in Puerto Rico).
Nicknamed “Mr. Smile,” Lindor hopes to bring positive energy into the clubhouse.
“They say smiles are very contagious,” Lindor said. “I always smile because I am blessed to have health, to have my family surround me, I have a great group of people around me that help me keep my peace and play the greatest game out there. Why not smile? I am living my dream. I am living the life I always wanted, so I don’t see why I wouldn’t smile.”
Lindor’s acquisition perhaps signifies the Mets are on equal footing with the Yankees when it comes to pursuing top talent. Now how can the Mets overtake the Yankees as the No. 1 baseball team in town?
“It’s not necessarily about what happened in the past with the championships the Yankees have won,” Lindor said. “It’s about today in the present. If we are able to win today, that is what matters, it’s about winning each and every single day and bring a winning team. Obviously everybody wants to be the No. 1 team in New York, but at the same time we also want to be the No. 1 team in the entire country.”
Lindor also has a plan for when he arrives in New York City.
“I love pizza,” he said. “So I will probably get some pizza.”