Mets Reportedly Sign Francisco Lindor To 10-Year Deal
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- The New York Mets start their new season with a record-breaking signing.
Shortstop Francisco Lindor has reportedly signed a 10-year, $340 million deal.
It is the longest contract in Mets history and the third largest in major league history, behind Mike Trout and Mookie Bets.
The deal would keep Lindor in Queens until he turns 38 years old.
The 27-year-old Lindor has two Gold Gloves and made four All-Star teams in six seasons with the Indians, hitting .285 with an average of 29 homers, 86 RBIs and 21 stolen bases per 162 games.
He was the prized pickup in new owner Steve Cohen's first offseason, acquired from Cleveland along with right-hander Carlos Carrasco for infielders Amed Rosario, Andrés Giménez and two minor leaguers. New York added Lindor knowing he could walk after the 2021 season, but the team said it would try to negotiate a long-term pact.
MLB Network was first to report on the agreement.
Lindor will retain his $22.3 million salary for 2021 before the contract kicks in for 2022.
The deal will be the largest ever for a shortstop, passing Fernando Tatis Jr.'s $340 million, 14-year contract with San Diego signed in February. Only Mike Trout's $426.5 million, 12-year deal with the Los Angeles Angels and Mookie Betts' $365 million, 12-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers are worth more. Betts' deal includes $115 million in deferred payments through 2044.
Lindor's deal is also by far the largest payout ever from the Mets, surpassing contracts for third baseman David Wright ($138 million), pitchers Jacob deGrom ($137.5 million) and Johan Santana ($137.5 million).
Cohen tweeted Tuesday that Lindor was a "heckuva player and a great guy" and said he hoped to strike a deal. He confirmed the pair had dinner together over the weekend.
(© Copyright 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
