MLB Rumors: Mets Racing To Keep Francisco Lindor With Opening Day Approaching – Report

The New York Mets have been quite busy, but there is more work to be done. With the new MLB season set to start Thursday, the Mets want to lock up Francisco Lindor despite coming off a not-so-stellar season, a report says. A reason behind this is New York has no doubt the 27-year-old can regroup and be part of the team’s plans.

There is “hope” for Lindor and the Mets to agree to a contract extension worth more than $300 million, MLB Network insider Jon Heyman reported. International Business Times could not independently verify this information.

New York reportedly hopes to seal the deal before opening day and focus on the upcoming season.

Although lucrative, there is a notable difference between the offer and what Lindor is asking from the Mets. “Paquito” is reportedly asking more than the said amount so it will be interesting to see if team owner Steve Cohen is willing to tweak those numbers a bit more.

But for now, the $300 million offer to the shortstop appears to be set in stone. A final deal could be struck before the MLB opening day.

The past MLB season was not an impressive one for Lindor. He hit .258 with eight home runs and 27 RBI in 60 games. In his career, Lindor is a .285 hitter. He has been named an All-Star every year from 2016 until 2019.

A reason why the Mets are scampering is that Lindor stressed that he has no plans to negotiate a new contract once the new MLB season starts. Hence, time is essential for New York, and they are trying to seal a deal at the earliest possible time.

"I have never negotiated a contract during a season," Lindor stated back in January after he was acquired in a trade with the Cleveland Indians.

"Never. I've always said before spring training, but once it gets to a point in spring training, it's time to enjoy the ride and focus on winning and that's the only thing I should be focusing on, not how much money I'm going to get," the 27-year-old added.

Until Lindor is signed to a fresh pact, Mets fans are understandably worried. However, Mets beat reporter Deesha Thosar pointed out how Jacob DeGrom signed his extension just two days before the 2019 MLB opening. Hence, seeing Lindor possibly signing on the dotted line to remain with the New York Mets is still possible.