It will take more than ravioli and chicken parmesan for the Mets to finalize a new deal with Francisco Lindor.
And that’s okay, and expected. Let’s be clear, however, this is a deal the Mets must close.
Throughout Spring Training, Lindor has looked every part of the star shortstop the Mets traded for in the offseason.
In 16 games, Lindor has a .365/.431/.615 slash line with four homers and 14 RBIs. He’s playing the type of defense at shortstop which has earned him two Gold Glove awards.
Shortly after the Mets traded for Lindor, Will Leitch of MLB.com opined on Lindor as the perfect face of a new era.
He’s an incredible player — he had a down 2020, but honestly, look around … who didn’t? — and he plays the game with exuberance and obvious zeal. You can build around him on the field, as the Mets are surely going to do before he hits free agency, but you can build around him as an organization as well. He’ll be on the cover of all your team publications, you can sell thousands of jerseys with his name on the back, you can instantly brand your entire franchise with his smiling face. He’s the sort of star and personality that immediately delineates eras of the Mets: There is the time before Lindor, and the time after.
MLB columnist Will Leitch on Francisco Lindor
And now it’s time for the Mets to show Lindor the money.
The Mets and Lindor are discussing a long-term extension. The clock, however, is ticking.
Because, as far as contract extension talks are concerned, Lindor has made it clear he will not negotiate past Opening Day.
Well, here we are, less than a week away from Opening Day. And, as Rod Tidwell once told Jerry Maguire, both sides are — “talking”.
There’s also the chicken parmesan and ravioli, which was part of the meal Lindor and new Mets owner Steve Cohen reportedly dined on together, this past weekend.
The 27-year old has the presence and poise of a franchise player. He also fits the description of the vision statement team president Sandy Alderson read to the media during Cohen’s introductory press conference.
“A vision for new ownership: to create an iconic major league franchise respected for its success — competitive and financial success — and how it achieves that success, and for its commitment to fans and community.”
Cohen so far, with his bank and twitter account, has shown his commitment to the fans. He’s been upfront about his desire to win and the financial price he’s ready to pay for it. Opportunity is knocking for Cohen to put his checkbook where his tweets are.
Lindor could be looking for a multiyear deal north of $300 million. That’s the type of deal which puts him in the same territory as Fernando Tatis Jr. and Mookie Betts. Difference-makers and faces of their respective teams. Lindor has that level of talent, his impact on the game will command a major payday, from the Mets or elsewhere.
And the Mets need to be the one delivering that payday.
