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All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor joined the New York Mets from the Cleveland Indians last week in the first blockbuster deal orchestrated by the Amazins since billionaire hedge fund manager Steve Cohen assumed ownership of the club.
With the 27-year-old infielder set to hit free agency following the upcoming season, New York team president Sandy Alderson is looking to discuss Lindor’s future before spring training.
“We acquired Francisco because of his present ability and the possibility that he could be a Met long-term,” Alderson said on Monday, per David Schoenfield of ESPN. “There’s no guarantee of that. It’s something we will approach in the next few weeks.”
Lindor has already spoken with Alderson, Cohen and general manager Jared Porter and added that he’s open to signing an extension with the Mets but only before or after the campaign.
“I have never negotiated a contract during a season,” Lindor explained. “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.”
Acquiring both Lindor and right-hander Carlos Carrasco temporarily made the Mets the talk of New York sports for positive reasons, but Cohen and company must now accept the reality that losing Lindor for nothing next fall or winter would generate dreadful headlines for new ownership. As much as Mets fans want to win now, they also expect to see Lindor wearing orange and blue through the remainder of the decade.
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