Lindor Playing Hardball with Mets as Deadline Looms

 It's getting late early. In this case, the self-imposed deadline short stop Francisco Lindor put on the Mets to hammer out a long term deal is coming to a close, and nothing appears imminent, in spite of the Mets best efforts.

 

According to SNY's Andy Martino, the Mets offered Lindor a contract in the neighborhood of 10 years at $325 million. He rejected that offer. Martino added that was the Mets best and final offer to the former All Star. 

Lindor meanwhile has countered with a request for a 12-year deal at $385 million. That would give him the second richest contract behind only Mike Trout who has a $426.5 million deal with the Angels.  

Meanwhile, CBS's Jon Heyman is reporting that many people inside baseball feel that Lindor should accept the Mets offer. The offer is also about $100 million less than what he was offered in Cleveland a year ago, according to Heyman. 

 

This comes just a day after Mets owner Steve Cohen wined and dined with Lindor, only to Tweet out cryptically that the "ravioli wasn't good." Cohen has used the Lindor negotiation as a ploy to tease fans on Twitter, including asking the fans for what would be a reasonable offer. 

With less than two days before the opener, the Lindor contract is becoming a distraction nobody wanted. Lindor could simply accept the offer, or both sides could come back to the table and renegotiate. 

If both sides part ways from the negotiating table at this point, Lindor risks becoming basically public enemy number 1 in the eyes of Mets fans for not accepting such a huge offer to begin with. It would create a distraction that would follow him all season. 

Furthermore it would put the Mets in a precarious position. If Lindor walks next winter, it would mean the Mets traded away two talent starters and a few prospects for nothing. That is a tough pill to swallow. At the same time, considering the number of talented shortstops available next winter including Trevor Story, Carlos Correa and Javier Baez, the Mets could turn that route. However, those guys could be waiting to see what Lindor settles on to re-set the market.