Mets-Lindor Extension Talks Beginning According to Heyman

 CBS Sports' Jon Heyman is reporting that extension talks between the Mets and shortstop Francisco Lindor are starting this week. 

In a Tweet posted Monday morning, Heyman said, "Francisco Lindor, Mets extension talks are expected to begin in earnest this week. Opening Day is at least a soft deadline, so figure about 24 days to get it done." 

The Mets woud love to ink Lindor to a contract, considering they traded two major league ready players to get him this winter, and the fact that Lindor - a pending free agent - could command a hefty price tag on free agency, in a year where shortstops are going to be plentiful on the open market next year. 

Lindor imposed an April 1 deadline to get a deal done before the regular season begins, and does not want negotiations to hover over the season. 

The question will be what the contract will look like. Considering that Mookie Betts landed a $300-plus million deal from the Dodgers last year, and that Fernando Tatis Jr. inked a 14-year $340 million deal from the San Diego Padres a few weeks ago, one would figure that Lindor would command a similar deal. 

Bear in mind the Mets also want to re-sign left fielder Michael Conforto to a deal as well; he is set to hit free agency next year as well. 

It will be very interesting to see if the Mets can strike a deal with one or both players on long term deals. If the Mets ink Lindor before the start of the regular season it will signal a huge tone for the Mets and their new owner Steve Cohen moving forward.