Francisco, Mets far apart at ‘deadline’
The Mets have made their “best and final offer” for Francisco Lindor, according to a source. But it’s well below the shortstop’s asking price.
The team offered Lindor a long-term deal to stay in New York for 10 years, worth $325 million, according to a source familiar with the negotiations. Lindor and his agency, SportsMeter, asked the Mets for 12 years close to $400 million, as the News first reported.
Lindor’s target long-term deal with the Mets is 12 years for $385 million, and it’s a price from which his camp is not willing to move.
The Mets are unwilling to meet Lindor in the middle, per a source.
If something were to change and Lindor got his wish, he could break MLB’s record for the largest contract extension. Mookie Betts signed a 12-year, $365 million extension last year.
The two sides have less than 48 hours to come to an agreement before Opening Day, which Lindor has set as the deadline for negotiations so he can turn his focus on the season.
Mets owner Steve Cohen went to dinner with Lindor on Sunday, but the Mets were not expecting Lindor’s asking price of 12 years and $385 million, per a source. They were told by his camp the extension would be less than Betts’ $12-year, $365 million deal, according to a source.
Lindor’s value is expected to fall after the 2021 season amid a talented shortstop free-agency class. The crop of shortstops will include Javier Baez, Carlos Correa, Trevor Story, Corey Seager and — if the two sides can’t reach a deal — Lindor. So the Mets are certainly “not worried,” per the source. The team is OK with waiting.
CARRASCO THROWING
Carlos Carrasco, who sustained a Grade 1 right hamstring tear in mid-March just as he was recovering from elbow soreness, is back on a throwing program. The veteran righty is still considered weekto-week, but the team is encouraged by how much his injury has improved across two weeks since his diagnosis.
“Carlos, he’s been progressing really really well,” said Luis Rojas.
Seth Lugo, who had surgery in February for a loose bone spur in his right elbow, has not started throwing yet but that next step could come “soon,” per Rojas. The manager said Lugo has kept a positive attitude during his treatments with the medical staff.
If Carrasco and Lugo move through their respective rehabs with minimal or no setbacks, the Mets expect both pitchers will return to the team in May. ... Marcus Stroman will slot in as the Mets’ No. 2 starter behind Jacob deGrom, Rojas confirmed Monday. The manager did not reveal the remainder of his rotation order as the club decides whether lefties David Peterson and Joey Lucchesi should be broken up. The Mets could have Jacob deGrom pitch the fifth game, made possible by the scheduled off-day on Friday.