MLB Rumors: Mets Beat Deadline To Secure Lindor With Blockbuster Multi-Year Deal

The New York Mets were reportedly able to be the deadline set of Francisco Lindor, signing the shortstop to a 10-year deal worth $341 million.

Time was running out on the Mets who last offered $325 million.

Citing sources, ESPN’s Jeff Pasan revealed that both sides agreed to a final deal that would hand Lindor the third-highest deal in MLB history.

The $341 million contract trails big deals landed by Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels ($426.5 million) and Mookie Betts of the Los Angeles Dodgers ($365 million).

This gives New York a big sigh of relief as the Mets were trying to get something done before the new MLB season started.

It will be recalled that the 27-year-old stressed that he does not plan to engage in negotiations once the season started, forcing the Mets to come up with an acceptable proposition.

As mentioned in a previous post, the Mets dangled $325 million in what was allegedly their final offer. Lindor’s camp wanted something in the vicinity of $385 million.

With team owner Steve Cohen determined to keep the Puerto Rican, most felt that they would be open to tweaking the offer a bit more. They did just that, right in the nick of time as the Mets prepare for their opening day assignment against Washington.

Aside from securing the four-time MLB All-Star, the development also helped the Mets avoid salary arbitration by agreeing to a one-year deal worth $22.3 million.

Lindor struggled last season but remains a talent that the Mets would be foolish to give up.

Lindor owns a career .285 hitter and has averaged 29 homers, 86 RBIs, and 21 steals in his six major league seasons. He achieved all these with the Cleveland Indians before he was traded in January.

Despite his struggles he endured last season, most are expecting “Paquito” to recall his old form and give Mets fans a reason to smile again.

Based on the numbers of years included in the contract, that may be happening for a pretty long time.