The New York Mets on Monday officially announced the signing of star shortstop Francisco Lindor to a 10-year contract extension that begins in 2022.
Financial terms were not disclosed by the Mets, however multiple media outlets reported Lindor’s deal is worth $341 million.
The only contracts in baseball history with larger overall payouts were the 12-year, $426.5 million deal that Mike Trout signed with the Los Angeles Angels in March 2019 and the 12-year, $365 million deal that Mookie Betts signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers last July.
“Today is a great day for the Mets, Mets fans everywhere, Francisco, his teammates and his family,” Mets owner, chairman and CEO Steve Cohen said. “Having spent time with Francisco during spring training, he’s an extraordinary talent on the field and an exceptional person off it. This is a great start to opening the season and a big step toward our pursuit of sustained winning … and championships.”
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Lindor, 27, will have a chance to take the first step in that journey on Monday when the Mets visit the Philadelphia Phillies. The game is now the first of the campaign for New York, which saw its scheduled season-opening series against Washington postponed due to a COVID-19 outbreak within the Nationals’ clubhouse.
“So much thanks has to first go to Steve and Alex Cohen, as well as Sandy (Alderson, president) for their hard work and commitment to winning,” Lindor said. “I’m thrilled and blessed to (be) part of this organization for years to come. Everyone has welcomed me and my family with open arms. I’m beyond excited to go out and play for Mets fans and help bring a championship to Queens.”
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Lindor, a four-time All-Star, is entering his prime as one of the game’s top two-way players. He has two Gold Gloves, awarded to the top defensive player at each position in each league, and two Silver Sluggers, awarded to the top offensive player at each position in each league.
Lindor is coming off his worst offensive season, as he hit .258 with eight homers and 27 RBIs in 60 games during the pandemic-reduced 2020 campaign.
In six major league seasons, all with Cleveland, Lindor has a .285 average with a .346 on-base percentage, .488 slugging percentage, 138 homers, 411 RBIs and 99 stolen bases.
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–Field Level Media